Method and apparatus for storage and/or introduction of implant for hollow anatomical structure

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storage unit; an elongate vascular implant stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end; and a pushrod at least partially stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end coupled to the distal end of the implant. The implant diverges from adjacency with the pushrod as the implant extends away from the distal end of the pushrod, such that the pushrod forms a force application region near the distal end of the pushrod. The force application region is accessible for force application but separated from the implant.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to thefollowing U.S. provisional patent applications: Ser. No. 61/139,509,filed Dec. 19, 2008, titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE AND/ORINTRODUCTION OF OCCLUDING IMPLANT FOR HOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE; Ser.No. 61/230,252, filed Jul. 31, 2009, titled METHOD AND APPARATUS FORSTORAGE AND/OR INTRODUCTION OF OCCLUDING IMPLANT FOR HOLLOW ANATOMICALSTRUCTURE; and Ser. No. 61/249,515, filed Oct. 7, 2009, titled METHODAND APPARATUS FOR STORAGE AND/OR INTRODUCTION OF OCCLUDING IMPLANT FORHOLLOW ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE. The entire disclosure of each of theabove-mentioned provisional applications (less any material incorporatedby reference therein, and less their Appendices) is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

Treatment of hollow anatomical structures such as blood vessels, holloworgans, fallopian tubes, gastric structures, etc.

Related Art

Referring to FIG. 1, the human venous system of the leg A comprises thesuperficial venous system, shown in white, and the deep venous system,shown in black, with perforating veins connecting the two systems. Thesuperficial system includes the long or great saphenous vein B and thesmall saphenous vein C. The deep venous system includes the anterior andposterior tibial veins D, E, which unite to form the popliteal vein F,which in turn becomes the femoral vein G when joined by the shortsaphenous vein C. The femoral vein G and the great saphenous vein B joinat the sapheno-femoral junction H.

The venous system contains numerous one-way valves for directingantegrade blood flow back to the heart. When an incompetent valve is inthe flow path, the valve is unable to close, and retrograde flow of theblood away from the heart cannot be stopped. When a venous valve fails,increased strain and pressure occur within the lower venous sections andoverlying tissues, sometimes leading to additional, distal valvularfailure. Two venous conditions or symptoms that often result from valvefailure are varicose veins and more symptomatic chronic venousinsufficiency. Current treatments of venous insufficiency includesurgical procedures such as vein stripping, vein-segment transplant, andligation by ablation.

Vein stripping typically consists of tying off, or ligating, andremoving the saphenous vein. Vein segment transplant has been employedin certain organ transplant procedures; however, it is not generallyemployed in the superficial venous system in humans. Ligation byablation involves the cauterization or coagulation of vascular luminausing thermal energy applied through a delivery device. Energyintroduced into the vein lumen causes the vein wall to shrink incross-sectional diameter or completely collapse, thereby reducing orcompletely blocking blood flow through the vein.

An alternative treatment involves placement of an occluding implant inthe hollow anatomical structure, such as the great saphenous vein. As anexample, the implant can be a fibrous body, optionally textured toimpart bulk. The implant causes a partial occlusion of the hollowanatomical structure, followed by a complete or substantially completeocclusion, such as by formation of an organic fibrotic occlusionresulting from the body's natural foreign body healing response.

SUMMARY

A non-exhaustive summary of embodiments disclosed herein follows.

The present disclosure includes, in a first embodiment, a system forintroducing an occluding implant into a hollow anatomical structure,such as a vein, comprising an introducer sheath and an apparatusproximally coupled to the introducer sheath. The introducer sheathcomprises a shaft sized for insertion into the hollow anatomicalstructure and forming a lumen. A proximal opening of the introducersheath provides access to the shaft lumen. The apparatus comprises anoccluding implant, an implant storage unit forming a chamber (e.g. anelongate chamber) that houses the implant, and an introducer coupled tothe implant. An exit opening of the apparatus is in communication withthe implant storage unit chamber. The introducer is movable relative tothe implant storage unit and the introducer sheath and has a traveldirection through the implant storage unit exit opening and theintroducer sheath proximal opening to thereby move the implant from theimplant storage unit chamber to the introducer sheath shaft lumen.

Further optional features and variations of this first embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the first embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The introducer can comprise a pushrod stored generally in a loopconfiguration, and the implant can be stored (and/or the implant storageunit chamber can be located) alongside the pushrod so that it extendsand curves along and next to the loop formed by the pushrod (or thepushrod housing). The implant (and/or the implant storage unit chamber)can generally conform to the shape of the loop as it extends and curvesalong the loop. The pushrod and the implant can be contained (and/or theimplant storage unit chamber can be formed) in a common casing generallyshaped like a ring. The ring can generally conform to the pushrod loopand form a radially inward deflection from the ring configuration toexpose a portion of the pushrod for manual gripping. The pushrod and theimplant can diverge at distal portions thereof so that the pushrod exitsthe implant storage unit to expose a length of the pushrod for manualgripping. The pushrod and implant can be connected to each other nearthe distal tip of the pushrod.

The exit opening and the proximal opening can be aligned with eachother. For example, the exit opening and the proximal opening can beaxially aligned. The exit opening and the proximal opening can bedirectly adjacent each other when the apparatus is coupled to theintroducer sheath.

The apparatus can further comprise a coupler coupling the apparatus tothe introducer sheath. The coupler can include a proximal couplerdisposed on the apparatus, such as on the implant storage unit, and adistal coupler disposed on the introducer sheath, whereby coupling ofthe proximal and distal couplers effects the coupling of the apparatusto the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath can further comprise ahub located at a proximal end of the sheath and forming the proximalopening, and the distal coupler can be disposed on the hub. Theapparatus exit opening can be formed by the coupler, such as by theproximal coupler. The coupler can be configured to automatically alignthe exit opening and the proximal opening upon coupling the apparatus tothe introducer sheath.

The implant storage unit can define a storage axis, and the introducerand the implant can have a common travel direction through the exitopening and into the introducer sheath, wherein the storage axis isoffset relative to the common travel direction. For example, the storageaxis can be angularly offset relative to the common travel direction.The storage axis can be offset at an obtuse angle relative to the commontravel direction.

The implant can comprise a fibrous body. The fibrous body can be made ofa bioresorbable material. In one example, the fibrous body can have anatural expanded condition and can be compressed upon application of acompressive force. For example, when the implant is in the chamber ofthe implant storage unit, the implant body can assume a storagecondition in which the implant body is in the naturally expandedcondition, and when the implant is in the lumen of the introducer sheathshaft, the shaft can compress the implant body to an introductioncondition. Further, when the implant is implanted in the hollowanatomical structure upon removal of the introducer sheath from thehollow anatomical structure, the implant body can expand from theintroduction condition to an implantation condition, wherein thethickness of the implant body is greater than when in the introductioncondition and less than when in the storage condition. To accommodatethe implant body in the storage condition, the implant storage unit canhave a gauge (or cross-sectional size, or lumen inside diameter) greaterthan or equal to the size or thickness of the implant body when in thenaturally expanded condition. Further, the gauge (or cross-sectionalsize, or lumen inside diameter) of the implant storage unit can begreater than a gauge (or lumen inside diameter) of the introducer sheathshaft. The apparatus can include a guide to facilitate compression ofthe implant body during movement of the introducer and, thereby, theimplant from the implant storage unit to the introducer sheath. Theguide can be, for example, a distally tapering frustoconical wall, andthe frustoconical wall can terminate at the exit opening. The guide canbe formed in a coupler coupling the apparatus to the introducer sheath.

The implant can include a tether. In one example, the implant comprisesan elastic fibrous body, and the tether can be inelastic. The fibrousbody can comprise multiple bulked fibers, and the tether can comprise aninelastic yarn. Further, the tether can be made of a bioresorbablematerial, such as the same bioresorbable material as the implant body.The tether can be coupled to the fibrous body at a distal end of thefibrous body. As an example, when the implant is fully inserted into thehollow anatomical structure, a distal end of the tether is located atthe distal end of the fibrous body in the hollow anatomical structure,and a proximal end of the tether is attached externally of the hollowanatomical structure to prevent distal migration of the fibrous body inthe hollow anatomical structure. The proximal end of the tether can besecured to an external surface of the body, such as by adhesive tape.The proximal end of the tether can be incorporated into sutures thatclose an access site for the hollow anatomical structure.

The implant storage unit can further comprise an end cap closing an openproximal end of the implant storage unit. The end cap can be removable.In one example, the implant can be anchored to the proximal end of theimplant storage unit by the end cap, such as by the implant body and/orthe tether being disposed between the end cap and the implant storageunit.

The introducer can comprise a pushrod. The pushrod can be coupled to adistal end of the implant; for example, a distal end of the pushrod canbe coupled to a distal end of the implant. The pushrod can form a lumenthat houses a wire. The distal end of the pushrod can be closed, such asby a plug, and a distal end of the wire can be attached to the closeddistal end. The pushrod can further include first and second openingsthrough which the wire passes to form an implant retaining portionexternally of the pushrod lumen and between the openings. The implantcan be held between the implant retaining portion and the pushrod. Thefirst opening can be located proximally of the second opening. Forexample, the first and second openings can be linearly arranged alongthe pushrod. A proximal end of the wire can project from the pushrod toenable application of a proximal force to the wire. As an example, theproximal end of the wire can extend out of an open proximal end of thepushrod. Application of the proximal force to the wire can effectdetachment of the distal end of the wire from the pushrod. Continuedapplication of the proximal force effects liberation of the implant fromthe introducer as the implant retaining portion of the wire retractsinto the pushrod lumen via the first, proximal opening.

The pushrod can be stored externally of the implant storage unit andenter the implant storage unit near a distal end of the implant storageunit. For example, the pushrod can extend through an aperture formednear the distal end of the implant storage unit. The aperture can bealigned with the apparatus exit opening such that the distal end of thepushrod is aligned with the exit opening for movement of the pushrod inthe travel direction through the exit opening. The aperture and the exitopening can be axially aligned. The apparatus can further include acontainer that houses the pushrod externally of the implant storageunit. For example, the container can comprise a reel, or a coiled tubemounted to the implant storage unit. An exposed portion of the pushrodbetween the container/tube/reel and the aperture through the pushrod canextend into the implant storage unit provides a gripping area for a userto grasp and move the pushrod.

The apparatus comprising the implant, the implant storage unit, thecoupler, and the introducer can be provided as an assembled kit whereinthe implant is assembled in the implant storage unit and coupled to theintroducer. When the coupler comprises the proximal and distal couplers,the proximal and distal couplers can be provided in a decoupledcondition or a coupled condition. When the proximal and distal couplersare provided in the coupled condition, the user decouples the distalcoupler from the proximal coupler prior to use of the apparatus. As onealternative, the kit can further include the introducer sheath. When thekit includes the introducer sheath, the introducer sheath and theapparatus can be provided as coupled or decoupled.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus for introducing an occludingimplant into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, comprises anoccluding implant, an implant storage unit forming a chamber (e.g. anelongate chamber) that houses the implant, and an introducer coupled tothe implant. An exit opening of the apparatus is in communication withthe implant storage unit chamber. The introducer is movable relative tothe implant storage unit and has a travel direction through the implantstorage unit exit opening to thereby move the implant from the implantstorage unit chamber to externally of the apparatus.

The present disclosure contemplates and includes optionally employing inthe second embodiment, the optional features and variations of the firstembodiment identified above, either alone or in any feasible combinationof two or more such optional features and variations.

The introducer can comprise a pushrod stored generally in a loopconfiguration, and the implant can be stored (and/or the implant storageunit chamber can be located) alongside the pushrod so that it extendsand curves along and next to the loop formed by the pushrod (or thepushrod housing). The implant (and/or the implant storage unit chamber)can generally conform to the shape of the loop as it extends and curvesalong the loop. The pushrod and the implant can be contained (and/or theimplant storage unit chamber can be formed) in a common casing generallyshaped like a ring. The ring can generally conform to the pushrod loopand form a radially inward deflection from the ring configuration toexpose a portion of the pushrod for manual gripping. The pushrod and theimplant can diverge at distal portions thereof so that the pushrod exitsthe implant storage unit to expose a length of the pushrod for manualgripping. The pushrod and implant can be connected to each other nearthe distal tip of the pushrod.

The present disclosure also includes methods of storing and/orintroducing an occluding implant into a hollow anatomical structure,such as a vein. In a third embodiment, a method employs a systemcomprising an introducer sheath and an apparatus. The introducer sheathcomprises a shaft sized for insertion into the hollow anatomicalstructure and forming a lumen. A proximal opening of the introducersheath provides access to the shaft lumen. The apparatus comprises anoccluding implant, an implant storage unit forming an elongate chamberthat houses the implant, and an introducer coupled to the implant. Anexit opening of the apparatus is in communication with the implantstorage unit chamber. The method can optionally comprise inserting theintroducer sheath shaft into the hollow anatomical structure. The methodcan further comprise coupling the apparatus to a proximal end of theintroducer sheath, thereby arranging the implant storage unit exitopening and the introducer sheath proximal opening to establish a traveldirection of the introducer therethrough, and distally advancing theintroducer along the travel direction to move the implant from theimplant storage unit, through the implant storage unit exit opening,through the introducer sheath proximal opening, and into the introducersheath shaft lumen.

Further optional features and variations of this third embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the third embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The method can further include continuing the distal advancement of theintroducer and the implant into the introducer sheath shaft lumen. Forexample, the advancement of the introducer and the implant can continueuntil the introducer reaches a distal end of the introducer sheathshaft. In the case where the hollow anatomical structure is the greatersaphenous vein, the advancement of the introducer and the implantcontinues until a distal end of the implant is located below thesapheno-femoral junction. As an example, the distal end of the implantcan be located just below, for example about 2.5 cm below, thesapheno-femoral junction.

The method can further include compressing the implant during the distaladvancement of the introducer along the travel direction. For example,the implant can be compressed in the apparatus while moving the implantthrough the exit opening. The apparatus can include a guide in the formof a distally tapering frustoconical wall that terminates at the exitopening, and the compression of the implant further includes moving theimplant through the guide to gradually compress the implant from astorage condition when in the implant storage unit to an introductioncondition when the implant moves through the exit opening. When theimplant is in the storage condition, the implant can assume a naturallyexpanded condition.

The method can further include removing the introducer sheath from thehollow anatomical structure. Further, the method can continue withremoving the introducer from the hollow anatomical structure. Prior toremoving the introducer, the method can include decoupling the implantfrom the introducer, thereby leaving the implant in the hollowanatomical structure following removal of the introducer sheath. Theintroducer can comprise a pushrod having an implant retaining wireattached to the pushrod, wherein the wire facilitates coupling theimplant to the pushrod, and the decoupling of the implant from theintroducer comprises detaching the wire from the pushrod. For example,the detaching of the wire from the pushrod can comprise applying aproximal force to the wire.

The method can include expanding the implant during the removing of theintroducer sheath from the hollow anatomical structure. For example, theexpanding of the implant can comprise expanding the implant from anintroducing condition when the implant is in the introducer sheath shaftto an implantation condition when the implant is in the hollowanatomical structure. Thus, following the example provided above, themethod can comprise compressing the implant from a storage conditionwhen in the implant storage unit to the introduction condition when theimplant moves through the exit opening and into the introducer sheathshaft, and the compression can be followed by the expanding of theimplant from the introduction condition to the implantation condition.The thickness of the implant in the implantation condition can besmaller than in the storage condition.

The method can further comprise decoupling the apparatus from theintroducer sheath prior to the removing of the introducer sheath fromthe hollow anatomical structure. The decoupling of the apparatus fromthe introducer sheath can comprise trimming the implant proximally ofthe introducer sheath.

The implant can comprise a fibrous body and a tether coupled to thebody, and the method can comprise attaching the tether externally of thehollow anatomical structure to prevent distal migration of the body inthe hollow anatomical structure. The attaching of the tether can occurafter the removing of the introducer sheath and the introducer from thehollow anatomical structure. The attaching of the tether can comprisesecuring a proximal end of the tether to an external surface of thebody, such as by adhesive tape. The attaching of the tether can compriseincorporating the proximal end of the tether into sutures that close anaccess site for the hollow anatomical structure.

A fourth embodiment comprises an apparatus for delivering an implant.The apparatus comprises a pushrod, a distal exit opening, and a pushrodpassage receiving the pushrod and located proximal of the distal exitopening. The pushrod passage and the distal exit opening are located ona delivery path. The apparatus further comprises an elongate vascularimplant stored in the apparatus. A portion of the implant is positionedat a first location on the delivery path, and the implant extends fromthe first location in a direction divergent from the delivery path.

Further optional features and variations of this fourth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the fourth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The pushrod can be stored in the apparatus generally in a loopconfiguration, and the implant can be stored (and/or an implant chambercan be located) in the apparatus alongside the pushrod so that theimplant/chamber extends and curves along and next to the loop formed bythe pushrod (or the pushrod housing). The implant (and/or the implantchamber) can generally conform to the shape of the loop as it extendsand curves along the loop. The apparatus can include a casing generallyshaped like a ring which contains the stored pushrod and theimplant/chamber. The ring can generally conform to the pushrod loop andimplant/chamber, and form a radially inward deflection from the ringconfiguration to expose a portion of the pushrod for manual gripping.The pushrod and the implant can diverge at distal portions thereof sothat the pushrod exits the casing to expose a length of the pushrod formanual gripping. The pushrod and implant can be connected to each othernear the distal tip of the pushrod.

The implant can comprise a bioabsorbable fibrous implant. The apparatuscan further comprise an implant storage unit, and the implant can bestored in the unit in an expanded condition. At least a proximal portionof the implant can be stored in the unit with substantially nolongitudinal bunching or folding.

The implant can be coupled to the pushrod at the first location.

A system can comprise the apparatus, and an introducer sheath coupled tothe apparatus, wherein a proximal opening of the introducer sheath isaligned with the distal exit opening and located on the delivery path.The introducer sheath can be removably coupled to the apparatus.

The apparatus can further comprise an implant storage chamber whichextends in a direction divergent from the delivery path, wherein theimplant is stored in the storage chamber. The implant storage chambercan have a generally straight configuration. The implant storage chambercan have a curved configuration.

The pushrod can extend proximally from the pushrod passage to anexterior of the apparatus to facilitate gripping the pushrod at alocation proximal of the passage. The apparatus can further comprise apushrod container, wherein the pushrod extends further proximally fromthe pushrod passage into the pushrod container. The apparatus canfurther comprise an implant storage unit containing the implant, whereinthe pushrod container is connected to the implant storage unit.

The apparatus can further comprise an implant chamber in which theimplant is located. The implant chamber can have a proximal end and adistal end, wherein a portion of the pushrod is exposed to permit manualgripping at a grip location distal of the proximal end of the implantchamber. The grip location can be closer to the distal end of theimplant chamber than to the proximal end thereof.

A fifth embodiment comprises a method of facilitating delivery of avascular implant. The method can comprise the following acts, in anyfeasible order: (a) providing a delivery device comprising an implantchamber and a pushrod, the delivery device defining a delivery pathpassing through an exit opening of the delivery device; (b) holding theimplant in the implant chamber; (c) connecting a distal end of theimplant to a distal tip region of the pushrod; (d) positioning thedistal tip region of the pushrod and the distal end of the implant onthe delivery path, aligned with the exit opening, so that a distalmovement of the pushrod causes the pushrod and the implant to advancethrough the exit opening; and (e) facilitating rapid connection of anintroducer sheath to the delivery device and alignment of a proximalopening of the introducer sheath with the exit opening via a coupler,separate from the introducer sheath, configured to receive a proximalportion of the introducer sheath and connect to the delivery devicedistal of the exit opening.

Further optional features and variations of this fifth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the fifth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The method can further comprise sterilizing the delivery deviceincluding the pushrod and the implant chamber as an assembled unit, withthe implant in the implant chamber.

The method can further comprise packaging the delivery device includingthe pushrod and the implant chamber as an assembled unit, with theimplant in the implant chamber.

The method can further comprise providing to a medical practitioner thedelivery device including the pushrod and the implant chamber as anassembled unit, with the implant in the implant chamber.

Holding the implant in the implant chamber can comprise holding theimplant in an expanded state. The implant can tend toward the expandedstate in the absence of external forces.

Holding the implant in the implant chamber can comprise holding at leasta proximal portion of the implant with substantially no longitudinalbunching or folding.

The implant can comprise a bioabsorbable fibrous implant.

The delivery device can comprise a pushrod container and the method canfurther comprise storing a proximal portion of the pushrod in thepushrod container.

The method can further comprise arranging the implant chamber along adirection that diverges from the delivery path, and still furthercomprise locating the distal tip region of the pushrod on the deliverypath.

The method can further comprise exposing a portion of the pushrod topermit manual gripping at a grip location distal of a proximal end ofthe implant chamber. The grip location can be closer to a distal end ofthe implant chamber than to the proximal end thereof.

The coupler can comprise a longitudinal opening formed therethrough thataligns with the exit opening upon connection of the coupler to thedelivery device. The coupler can further comprise a slot formed along aside of the coupler and communicating with the longitudinal opening toallow sideways entry of the introducer sheath into the coupler.

A sixth embodiment comprises method of facilitating delivery of anelongate, expandable, bioabsorbable vascular implant. The method cancomprise the following acts, in any feasible order: (a) providing adelivery device comprising an implant chamber and a pushrod, thedelivery device defining a delivery path passing through an exit openingof the delivery device; (b) holding the elongate, expandable,bioabsorbable vascular implant in the implant chamber in an expandedstate; (c) connecting a distal end of the implant to a distal tip regionof the pushrod; (d) positioning the distal tip region of the pushrod andthe distal end of the implant on the delivery path, aligned with theexit opening, so that a distal movement of the pushrod causes thepushrod and the implant to advance through the exit opening; and (e)exposing a portion of the pushrod to permit manual gripping at a griplocation proximal of a distal end of the implant chamber.

Further optional features and variations of this sixth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the sixth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The grip location can be closer to a proximal end of the implant chamberthan to a distal end thereof. Exposing the portion of the pushrod cancomprise arranging the implant chamber along a direction that divergesfrom the delivery path.

The method can further comprise sterilizing the delivery deviceincluding the pushrod and the implant chamber as an assembled unit, withthe implant in the implant chamber.

The method can further comprise packaging the delivery device includingthe pushrod and the implant chamber as an assembled unit, with theimplant in the implant chamber.

The method can further comprise providing to a medical practitioner thedelivery device including the pushrod and the implant chamber as anassembled unit, with the implant in the implant chamber.

The implant can tend toward the expanded state in the absence ofexternal forces.

Holding the implant in the implant chamber can comprise holding at leasta proximal portion of the implant with substantially no longitudinalbunching or folding.

The delivery device can comprise a pushrod container, and the method canfurther comprise storing a proximal portion of the pushrod in thepushrod container.

The method can further comprise locating the distal tip region of thepushrod on the delivery path.

A seventh embodiment comprises an apparatus for introducing an implantinto a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storageunit, an elongate vascular implant stored inside the storage unit andhaving a distal end, and a pushrod at least partially stored inside thestorage unit and having a distal end coupled to the distal end of theimplant. The implant diverges from adjacency with the pushrod as theimplant extends away from the distal end of the pushrod, such that thepushrod forms a force application region near the distal end of thepushrod, the force application region being accessible for forceapplication but separated from the implant.

Further optional features and variations of this seventh embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the seventh embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The storage unit can comprise a wall separating the force applicationregion from the implant. The pushrod can be partially located exteriorlyof the storage unit to expose a length of the pushrod, which forms theforce application region, for gripping and can pass through the wallnear a distal end of the storage unit.

The storage unit can comprise an exit opening, and the implant candiverge from adjacency with the pushrod in a proximal direction from theexit opening and can converge with the pushrod proximally of the exitopening as the pushrod is advanced toward and through the exit opening.The implant can be drawn toward and through the exit opening by thepushrod as the pushrod is so advanced. The storage unit can define astorage axis, the pushrod and the implant can have a common traveldirection through the exit opening, and the storage axis can be offsetrelative to the common travel direction. The storage axis can benon-linear.

The storage unit is generally shaped like a ring.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

The implant can comprise a bioresorbable implant.

An eighth embodiment comprises an apparatus for introducing an implantinto a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storageunit comprising an exit opening, an implant storage portion, and apushrod storage portion spaced from the implant storage portion andconverging with the implant storage portion at the exit opening, anelongate vascular implant stored inside the implant storage portion andhaving a distal end, and a pushrod at least partially stored inside thepushrod storage portion and having a distal end coupled to the distalend of the implant. The pushrod forms a force application region nearthe distal end of the pushrod. The implant and the pushrod continuallyconverge proximally of the exit opening as the pushrod is advancedtoward and through the exit opening.

Further optional features and variations of this eighth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the eighth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant can be drawn toward and through the exit opening by thepushrod as the pushrod is so advanced.

The implant storage portion and the pushrod storage portion can bephysically separated from each other.

The storage unit can comprise a common casing defining the implantstorage portion and the pushrod storage portion. The common casing canbe generally shaped like a ring.

The pushrod can be partially located exteriorly of the pushrod storageportion to expose a length of the pushrod for gripping and can enter thestorage unit near a distal end of the storage unit.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

The implant can comprise a bioresorbable implant.

A ninth embodiment comprises a method for introducing an implant into ahollow anatomical structure. The method can comprise the following acts,in any feasible order: (a) inserting an introducer sheath into thehollow anatomical structure; (b) coupling a delivery apparatus to aproximal end of the introducer sheath, the delivery apparatus storing apushrod and an implant along divergent directions; (c) converging thepushrod and the implant along a common axis defining a travel directionwithin the delivery apparatus; and (d) distally advancing the convergedpushrod and implant along the travel direction through an exit openingof the delivery apparatus and into the introducer sheath.

Further optional features and variations of this ninth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the ninth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

Converging the pushrod and the implant can comprise distally advancingthe pushrod to draw the implant toward the common axis.

Distally advancing the converged pushrod and implant can comprisecompressing the implant from an expanded condition to a compressedcondition. The method can further comprise distally advancing theconverged pushrod and implant through the introducer sheath and into thehollow anatomical structure and expanding the implant in the hollowanatomical structure from the compressed condition to the expandedcondition.

Distally advancing the converged pushrod and implant can comprisegripping an exposed portion of the pushrod proximal of the convergedpushrod and implant.

The hollow anatomical structure can comprise a blood vessel. The methodcan further comprise occluding a lumen of the blood vessel with theimplant. The implant can be bioresorbable.

The hollow anatomical structure can comprise a vein in a leg.

A tenth embodiment comprises an apparatus for introducing an implantinto a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storageunit having an exit opening and defining a chamber in communication withthe exit opening, an elongate, self-expanding vascular implant having anexpanded condition and stored within the chamber in the expandedcondition, proximal of the exit opening, and a pushrod having a distalend aligned with and proximal of the exit opening. The pushrod ispre-assembled to a distal end of the implant.

Further optional features and variations of this tenth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the tenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The pushrod and the implant can have a common travel direction throughthe exit opening such that the implant is drawn toward and through theexit opening by the pushrod as the pushrod is advanced toward andthrough the exit opening.

The apparatus can further comprise a guide proximal of the exit openingfor facilitating compression of the implant from the expanded conditionto a compressed condition as the pushrod is advanced toward and throughthe exit opening.

The pushrod can be stored within the chamber.

The chamber can be generally shaped like a ring.

The pushrod can be partially located exteriorly of the storage unit toexpose a length of the pushrod for gripping and can enter the storageunit near a distal end of the storage unit.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

The implant can comprise a bioresorbable implant.

An eleventh embodiment comprises an apparatus for introducing an implantinto a hollow anatomical structure. The apparatus comprises a storageunit having an exit opening and defining a chamber in communication withthe exit opening, an elongate vascular implant having a firstconfiguration in which the implant is larger than the exit opening and asecond configuration in which the implant is smaller than the exitopening, and a pushrod having a distal end aligned with and proximal ofthe exit opening. The pushrod is pre-assembled to a distal end of theimplant and the implant is stored within the chamber in the firstconfiguration and proximal of the exit opening.

Further optional features and variations of this eleventh embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the eleventh embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The pushrod and the implant can have a common travel direction throughthe exit opening such that the implant is drawn toward and through theexit opening by the pushrod as the pushrod is advanced toward andthrough the exit opening.

The apparatus can further comprise a guide proximal of the exit openingfor facilitating compression of the implant from the first configurationto the second configuration as the pushrod is advanced toward andthrough the exit opening.

The pushrod can be stored within the chamber.

The chamber can be generally shaped like a ring.

The pushrod can be partially located exteriorly of the storage unit toexpose a length of the pushrod for gripping and can enter the storageunit near a distal end of the storage unit.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

The implant can comprise a bioresorbable implant.

A twelfth embodiment comprises a method for introducing an implant intoa hollow anatomical structure. The method can comprise the followingacts, in any feasible order: (a) inserting an introducer sheath into thehollow anatomical structure; (b) coupling a delivery apparatus to aproximal end of the introducer sheath, the delivery apparatus storing avascular implant in an expanded condition, proximally of an exit openingof the delivery apparatus; and (c) compressing the implant to a sizesufficient to fit through the exit opening while distally advancing theimplant through the exit opening and into the introducer sheath.

Further optional features and variations of this twelfth embodiment arepresented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the twelfth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant can comprise an occluding implant.

Compressing the implant can further comprise compressing the implant toa size sufficient to fit in the introducer sheath.

Distally advancing the implant can comprise distally advancing a pushrodcoupled to the implant. For example, distally advancing the implant cancomprise gripping an exposed portion of the pushrod proximal of theconverged pushrod and implant.

Distally advancing the implant through the exit opening can cause thecompression of the implant.

The method can further comprise expanding the implant after distallyadvancing the implant into the hollow anatomical structure. For example,expanding the implant can comprise withdrawing the introducer sheath andallowing the implant to self-expand.

The implant can be radially larger than the exit opening in the expandedcondition.

The hollow anatomical structure can comprise a blood vessel. The methodcan further comprise occluding a lumen of the blood vessel with theimplant. The implant can be bioresorbable.

The hollow anatomical structure can comprise a vein in a leg.

A thirteenth embodiment comprises an elongate vascular implant for ahollow anatomical structure. The implant comprises a body formed by anumber of generally parallel, longitudinally extending elongate fibersand having a distal end, multiple spaced bands coupled to and encirclingthe body, and a tether coupled with respect to the body and interactingwith the bands to form multiple force application points acting on thebody such that application of a proximal force to the tether causes thedistance between the bands to decrease and the body to shorten and oneof expand radially between the bands and increase in density between thebands.

Further optional features and variations of this thirteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the thirteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

At least one of the body, the bands, and the tether can comprise abioresorbable material.

The body can be elastic and the tether can be inelastic. For example,the tether can comprise an inelastic yarn.

The tether can be coupled to a distal end of the body.

The implant can further comprise an adjustably-sized loop passingthrough or coupled to the bands and coupled to or formed by the tether,such that applying a proximal force to the tether reduces the size ofthe loop and relatively draws the bands toward each other to decreasethe distance between the bands. For example, the multiple spaced bandscan comprise a proximal band and a distal band spaced distally from theproximal band, and the tether can sequentially extend from the bodythrough the proximal band, reverse direction a first time and extendthrough the distal band, and reverse direction a second time to form theloop with the tether.

An apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomicalstructure can comprise the elongate vascular implant and a pushrodcoupled to the implant, such that proximal movement of the implant isprevented by the pushrod when a proximal force is applied to the tether.A distal end of the pushrod can be coupled to the distal end of theimplant.

A fourteenth embodiment comprises an elongate vascular implant for ahollow anatomical structure. The implant comprises a body formed by anumber of generally parallel, longitudinally extending elongate fibers,multiple force application points coupled to the body, anadjustably-sized loop passing through or coupled to the forceapplication points, and a tether, the loop being coupled to or formed bythe tether. Application of a proximal force to the tether causes theloop to reduce in size, which relatively draws the force applicationpoints toward each other to shorten the body and one of expand radiallythe body between the force application points and increase the densityof the body between the force application points.

Further optional features and variations of this fourteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the fourteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

At least one of the body, the force application points, and the tethercomprises a bioresorbable material.

The body can be elastic and the tether can be inelastic. For example,the tether can comprise an inelastic yarn.

The tether can be coupled to a distal end of the body.

An apparatus for introducing an implant into a hollow anatomicalstructure can comprise the elongate vascular implant and pushrod coupledto the implant, such that proximal movement of the implant is preventedby the pushrod when a proximal force is applied to the tether. A distalend of the pushrod can be coupled to a distal end of the implant.

A fifteenth embodiment comprises a method for treating a vein. Themethod can comprise the following acts, in any feasible order: (a)inserting an implant through an introducer sheath into the vein, theimplant having a body and multiple spaced bands coupled to andencircling the body; (b) expanding the implant from a compressedcondition to an expanded condition in the vein; and (c) moving the bandsrelative to each other with the implant in the expanded condition toshorten the body between the bands and one of further expand radiallybetween the bands and increase in density between the bands.

Further optional features and variations of this fifteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the fifteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

Inserting the implant through the introducer sheath can comprisecompressing the implant from the expanded condition to the compressedcondition.

Inserting the implant through the introducer sheath can comprisedistally advancing a pushrod coupled with the implant through theintroducer sheath. The method can further comprise preventing proximalmovement of the implant with the pushrod during shortening of the body.

Expanding the implant can comprise withdrawing the introducer sheathfrom the implant within the vein.

Moving the bands relative to each other can comprise applying a proximalforce to a tether coupled with respect to the body and interacting withthe bands.

Shortening the body can comprise shortening a distal portion of thebody. The vein can comprise the saphenous vein, and shortening thedistal portion of the body can occur in a portion of the saphenous veinnearest the sapheno-femoral junction.

A sixteenth embodiment comprises an apparatus for delivering an implant.The apparatus comprises a pushrod stored in the apparatus, the pushrodhaving a distal tip; and an elongate vascular implant stored in theapparatus, the implant being connected to the pushrod near the distaltip of the pushrod. The pushrod is stored in the apparatus generally ina loop configuration. The implant is stored in the apparatus alongsidethe pushrod so that the implant extends and curves along and next to theloop formed by the pushrod.

Further optional features and variations of this sixteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the sixteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant can generally conform to the shape of the loop as it extendsand curves along the loop.

The apparatus can further comprise a casing generally shaped like a ringwhich contains the stored pushrod and implant. The ring can generallyconform to the pushrod loop and implant, and the casing can form aradially inward deflection from the ring configuration to expose aportion of the pushrod for gripping. The pushrod and the implant candiverge at distal portions thereof so that the pushrod exits the casingto expose a length of the pushrod for gripping.

The apparatus can further comprise a distal exit opening, and a pushrodpassage receiving the pushrod and located proximal of the distal exitopening, wherein the pushrod passage and the distal exit opening arelocated on a delivery path. A portion of the implant can be positionedat a first location on the delivery path, and the implant can extendfrom the first location in a direction divergent from the delivery path.

The apparatus can further comprise an inward-tapering channel locateddistal of the pushrod distal tip and aligned therewith, such that adistal movement of the pushrod advances the pushrod tip, and draws theimplant, through the inward-tapering channel while the channelcompresses the implant.

The apparatus can further comprise a distal exit opening, wherein thedistal tip of the pushrod is aligned with and proximal of the exitopening so that a distal movement of the pushrod effects a distaladvancement of both the pushrod and implant toward and through the exitopening.

The implant can be radially self-expanding, and be stored in theapparatus in an expanded state.

The pushrod can be stored in a pushrod housing, and the implant can bestored next to but outside of the pushrod housing.

The implant can be a bioabsorbable occluder.

A seventeenth embodiment comprises an apparatus for delivering animplant into a patient via a catheter. The apparatus comprises an exitopening configured for juxtaposition and communication with thecatheter; a pushrod contained in the apparatus, the pushrod having adistal tip; and an elongate vascular implant contained in the apparatus.The implant is connected to the pushrod near the distal tip of thepushrod. The pushrod is contained in the apparatus generally in a loopconfiguration. The implant is contained in the apparatus alongside thepushrod so that the implant extends and curves along and next to theloop formed by the pushrod. The distal tip of the pushrod is alignedwith the exit opening such that a distal advancement of the pushrodcauses the distal tip to pass through the exit opening and the implantto be drawn through the exit opening along with the pushrod.

Further optional features and variations of this seventeenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the seventeenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant can generally conform to the shape of the loop as it extendsand curves along the loop.

The apparatus can further comprise a casing generally shaped like a ringwhich contains the stored pushrod and implant. The ring can optionallygenerally conform to the pushrod loop and implant, and the casing canoptionally form a radially inward deflection from the ring configurationto expose a portion of the pushrod for gripping. The pushrod and theimplant can optionally diverge at distal portions thereof so that thepushrod exits the casing to expose a length of the pushrod for gripping.

The apparatus can further comprise the catheter, and the catheter can becoupled with respect to, and in communication with, the exit openingsuch that the pushrod and implant pass into a lumen of the catheter upondistal advancement of the pushrod.

The implant can be radially self-expanding, and is stored in theapparatus in an expanded state. The apparatus can optionally furthercomprise an inward-tapering channel located proximal of the exit openingand aligned therewith, such that a distal movement of the pushrodadvances the pushrod tip, and draws the implant, through theinward-tapering channel while the channel compresses the implant.

The pushrod can be stored in a pushrod housing, and the implant can bestored next to but outside of the pushrod housing.

The implant can be a bioabsorbable occluder.

An eighteenth embodiment comprises a method. The method comprisesholding a pushrod in a loop configuration; holding a self-expandingelongate vascular implant in an expanded state, alongside the pushrod ina curved configuration that conforms generally to the loop; receiving adistal tip of the pushrod together with a distal portion of the implantin an inward-tapering channel and compressing the implant with thechannel as the pushrod advances into the channel and draws the implantthrough the channel; and conducting the pushrod and compressed implantwith a lumen of a catheter in a distal direction beyond the channel.

Further optional features and variations of this eighteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the eighteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

In the method, conducting the implant can comprise conducting theimplant toward a blood vessel lumen. In the method, conducting theimplant can comprise conducting the implant toward a vein lumen.

In the method, holding the pushrod and implant can comprise holding thepushrod and implant in a casing generally shaped like a ring.

In the method, holding the pushrod can comprise holding the distal tipof the pushrod in a position aligned with the channel such that distaladvancement of the pushrod causes the distal tip to enter the channel.

A nineteenth embodiment comprises an apparatus for advancing a vascularimplant into a blood vessel. The apparatus comprises a first elongatemember, the first elongate member having sufficient column strength tofunction as a pusher member; and a second elongate member, the secondelongate member being thinner than the first elongate member andextending to a distal end located at a first point which is at or near adistal end of the first elongate member. The elongate members form animplant retaining portion while the distal end of the second elongatemember is located at the first point, the implant retaining portionbeing located proximal of the first point. The implant retaining portioncomprising a space located between the elongate members and configuredfor receiving an implant portion, with the first elongate member on oneside of the space and the second elongate member on another side. Theimplant retaining portion further comprises a proximal side and a distalside which further circumscribe the space, the proximal and distal sidesbeing effective to prevent an implant received in the retaining portionfrom moving out of engagement with the retaining portion as the firstelongate member is moved distally and proximally. The implant retainingportion is removable by withdrawing the second elongate member in aproximal direction with respect to the first elongate member, therebymoving the distal end of the elongate member proximally beyond theformer location of the implant retaining portion.

Further optional features and variations of this nineteenth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the nineteenth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The apparatus can further comprise an elongate vascular implant having adistal portion retained within the retaining portion. The elongatevascular implant can optionally extend proximally from the implantretaining portion. The implant retaining portion can optionally grip theimplant sufficiently to permit the first elongate member to push andpull the implant through a confined space.

The second elongate member can be not configured for tissue penetration.

The second elongate member can extend proximally beyond a proximal endof the first elongate member. The implant retaining portion canoptionally be removable by manipulating a proximal portion of the secondelongate member that extends proximally beyond the proximal end of thefirst elongate member. The implant retaining portion can optionally beremovable by distally pulling a proximal portion of the second elongatemember that extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the firstelongate member, to withdraw the distal end of the second elongatemember proximally from the first point.

The first elongate member can comprise a pushrod having an internallumen that receives the second elongate member. The second elongatemember can optionally extend proximally from the first point, passradially outward of the pushrod to form the implant retaining portion,and then radially inward into the pushrod lumen proximal of the implantretaining portion, and then proximally within the pushrod lumen toward aproximal end of the pushrod. A distal portion of the second elongatemember can be within the pushrod lumen, proximal of the former locationof the implant retaining portion, when the implant retaining portion isremoved. The second elongate member can optionally extend proximallyfrom the first point, and be substantially straight as it extendsthrough and forms the implant retaining portion, and then extendproximally within the pushrod lumen toward a proximal end of thepushrod.

The first elongate member can have an insertable shaft portion with amaximum radial profile that defines a circle, and the radial profile candefine the outermost radial extent of the apparatus along the insertablelength of the apparatus when the implant retaining portion is removed.

The second elongate member can be metallic.

The implant retaining portion can be located at a sidewall opening ofthe first elongate member, and the sidewall opening can face radiallyoutward in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the firstelongate member.

The second elongate member can be removably connected to the firstelongate member at the first point.

A twentieth embodiment comprises an apparatus. The apparatus comprisesan elongate rod sized for insertion into a blood vessel lumen, the rodhaving a distal end, at least one sidewall opening near the distal endand an internal lumen extending proximally of the sidewall opening; anelongate member positioned in the rod and extending to an elongatemember endpoint at or near the distal end of the rod; and an implantgrip located proximal of the elongate member endpoint and comprising aspace between the rod and the elongate member that is bounded on atleast four sides thereof and is configured to prevent disengagement ofan implant portion secured in the space when the rod is moved distallyand proximally within a constraining lumen. The elongate member extendsproximally within the lumen of the rod, proximal of the implant grip.The implant grip can be removable by withdrawing the elongate member ina proximal direction with respect to the rod, thereby moving the distalend of the elongate member proximally beyond the former location of theimplant grip.

Further optional features and variations of this twentieth embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the twentieth embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The implant grip can be formed at least in part by a portion of theelongate member that extends radially outward from the elongate rod viathe sidewall opening.

The apparatus can further comprise an elongate vascular implant having adistal portion gripped by the implant grip. The elongate vascularimplant can optionally extend proximally from the implant grip.

The implant grip can grip the implant sufficiently to permit theelongate rod to push and pull the implant through a confined space.

The elongate member can be not configured for tissue penetration.

The elongate member can extend proximally beyond a proximal end of theelongate rod. The implant grip can optionally be removable bymanipulating a proximal portion of the elongate member that extendsproximally beyond the proximal end of the elongate rod. The implant gripcan optionally be removable by distally pulling a proximal portion ofthe elongate member that extends proximally beyond the proximal end ofthe elongate rod, to withdraw the distal end of the elongate proximally.

The elongate member can extend proximally from the elongate memberendpoint, pass radially outward of the elongate rod to form the implantgrip, and then radially inward into the elongate rod lumen proximal ofthe implant grip, and then proximally within the elongate rod lumentoward a proximal end of the elongate rod.

A distal portion of the elongate member can be within the elongate rodlumen, proximal of the former location of the implant grip, when theimplant grip is removed.

The elongate member can extend proximally from the elongate memberendpoint, and be substantially straight as it extends through and formsthe implant grip, and then extend proximally within the elongate rodlumen toward a proximal end of the elongate rod.

The elongate rod can have an insertable shaft portion with a maximumradial profile that defines a circle, and the radial profile can definethe outermost radial extent of the apparatus along the insertable lengthof the apparatus when the implant grip is removed.

The elongate member can be metallic.

The sidewall opening can face radially outward in a direction transverseto the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The elongate member can be removably connected to the rod at theelongate member endpoint.

A twenty-first embodiment comprises a method. The method comprisesinserting an introducer sheath into a blood vessel; pushing an elongate,bioresorbable vascular implant into the vessel through the sheath via apushrod. The pushrod holds the distal end of the implant in an implantgrip formed on one side by the pushrod and on another side by aretractable elongate flexible member received within a lumen of thepushrod proximal of the implant grip and extending to a flexible memberendpoint distal of the implant grip. The elongate flexible member passesthrough or along a sidewall opening of the pushrod as the flexiblemember extends from the pushrod lumen to the flexible member endpoint.The method further comprises releasing the implant from the pushrod byretracting the elongate flexible member proximally of the sidewallopening and into the lumen of the pushrod; and reducing the chance ofsnagging or displacing the portion of the implant positioned in thevessel when withdrawing the pushrod, by causing the pushrod to take on amaximum radial profile no larger than that of a proximal insertableshaft portion of the pushrod once the elongate flexible member has beenwithdrawn into the lumen of the pushrod.

Further optional features and variations of this twenty-first embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the twenty-first embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The method can further comprise pulling a portion of the implantproximally with the pushrod and implant grip, after pushing the implantinto the vessel but before releasing the implant from the implant grip.

The method can further comprise expanding or increasing the density of adistal portion of the implant by pulling the distal portion of theimplant proximally with the pushrod and implant grip, after pushing theimplant into the vessel but before releasing the implant from theimplant grip.

The blood vessel can comprise a vein in a leg. The method can optionallyfurther comprise occluding the vein with the implant.

The method can further comprise withdrawing the introducer sheath fromthe blood vessel while leaving the implant in position in the vessel.The method can optionally further comprise holding the implant inposition in the vessel with the pushrod while withdrawing the sheath.The method can optionally further comprise allowing the implant toself-expand within the vessel by virtue of withdrawing the sheath.

The sidewall opening can face radially outward in a direction transverseto the longitudinal axis of the pushrod.

The elongate flexible member can be removably connected to the pushrodat the flexible member endpoint, and releasing the implant can comprisedisconnecting the flexible member from the pushrod.

A twenty-second embodiment comprises an apparatus for inserting animplant into a blood vessel. The apparatus comprises an elongate rodsized for insertion into a blood vessel lumen, the rod having asidewall, a distal end, at least one sidewall opening near the distalend and an internal lumen extending proximally of the sidewall opening;and an elongate member positioned in the rod and extending to anelongate member endpoint located distal of the sidewall opening, theelongate member extending proximally along or through the sidewallopening and into the elongate rod lumen, proximally of the sidewallopening. The sidewall opening has an upper edge, and the sidewallopening extends into the rod to a first depth. The upper edge extendsdistally from the first depth while sloping upward so that the sidewallopening gradually becomes shallower as it extends distally, the upperedge thereby forming a distal slope. The sidewall opening is configured,by virtue of the distal slope, to gently urge outward from the openingany implant material located in the sidewall opening as the rod isretracted, thereby reducing snagging.

Further optional features and variations of this twenty-secondembodiment are presented in the following paragraphs. The presentdisclosure contemplates and includes employing these optional featuresand variations in the twenty-second embodiment (or in any otherembodiment summarized or described herein), either alone or in anyfeasible combination of two or more such optional features andvariations.

The apparatus can further comprise an elongate vascular implant with aportion received and secured between the rod and the elongate member.The received portion of the implant can optionally traverse from oneside of the rod and elongate member through a space between the rod andelongate member to the other side of the rod and elongate member. Theimplant can optionally form two legs which extend proximally from thereceived portion of the implant. The implant can optionally comprise abundle of bioresorbable fibers. The rod and the elongate member canoptionally grip the fibers therebetween. The rod and the elongate membercan optionally form an implant grip located proximal of the elongatemember endpoint and comprising a space between the rod and the elongatemember that is bounded on at least four sides thereof and is configuredto prevent disengagement of the implant portion when the rod is moveddistally and proximally within a constraining lumen.

The upper edge of the sidewall opening can extend proximally from thefirst depth while sloping upward so that the sidewall opening graduallybecomes shallower as it extends proximally, the upper edge therebyforming a proximal slope. The sidewall opening can optionally beconfigured, by virtue of the proximal slope, to gently urge any materialof the implant found to be in the sidewall opening outward therefrom asthe rod is pushed distally with the apparatus in the releaseconfiguration.

The distal slope can be angled or curved.

The elongate member can extend radially outward from the sidewallopening and the rod to form an implant grip. The elongate member canoptionally no longer extend radially outward from the sidewall openingand the rod when the apparatus is in the release configuration.

The rod can have an insertable shaft portion with a maximum radialprofile that defines a circle, and said radial profile can define theoutermost radial extent of the apparatus along the insertable length ofthe apparatus when the apparatus is in the release configuration.

The elongate member can be substantially straight as it extends from theelongate member endpoint to the elongate rod lumen proximal of thesidewall opening.

The sidewall opening can face radially outward in a direction transverseto the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The elongate member can be removably connected to the rod at theelongate member endpoint.

A twenty-third embodiment comprises an apparatus. The apparatuscomprises an elongate vascular implant; an elongate rod sized forinsertion into a blood vessel lumen, the rod having a sidewall, a distalend, at least one sidewall opening near the distal end and an internallumen extending proximally of the sidewall opening; and an elongatemember positioned in the rod and extending to an elongate memberendpoint located distal of the sidewall opening, the elongate memberextending proximally along or through the sidewall opening and into theelongate rod lumen, proximally of the sidewall opening, the elongatemember being retractable into the elongate rod lumen proximal of thesidewall opening to form a release configuration of the apparatus. Thesidewall opening has an upper edge, and the sidewall opening extendsinto the rod to a first depth. The upper edge extends distally from thefirst depth while sloping upward so that the sidewall opening graduallybecomes shallower as it extends distally, the upper edge thereby forminga distal slope. A portion of the implant is received and secured betweenthe elongate rod and the elongate member. The sidewall opening isconfigured, by virtue of the distal slope, to gently urge any materialof the implant found to be in the sidewall opening outward therefrom asthe rod is retracted with the apparatus in the release configuration.

Further optional features and variations of this twenty-third embodimentare presented in the following paragraphs. The present disclosurecontemplates and includes employing these optional features andvariations in the twenty-third embodiment (or in any other embodimentsummarized or described herein), either alone or in any feasiblecombination of two or more such optional features and variations.

The received portion of the implant can traverse from one side of therod and elongate member through a space between the rod and elongatemember to the other side of the rod and elongate member. The implant canoptionally form two legs which extend proximally from the receivedportion of the implant. The implant can optionally comprise a bundle ofbioresorbable fibers. The rod and the elongate member can optionallygrip the fibers therebetween.

The upper edge of the sidewall opening can extend proximally from thefirst depth while sloping upward so that the sidewall opening graduallybecomes shallower as it extends proximally, the upper edge therebyforming a proximal slope. The sidewall opening can optionally beconfigured, by virtue of the proximal slope, to gently urge any materialof the implant found to be in the sidewall opening outward therefrom asthe rod is pushed distally with the apparatus in the releaseconfiguration.

The distal slope can be angled or curved.

The elongate member can extend radially outward from the sidewallopening and the rod to form an implant grip. The elongate member canoptionally no longer extend radially outward from the sidewall openingand the rod when the apparatus is in the release configuration.

The rod can have an insertable shaft portion with a maximum radialprofile that defines a circle, and the radial profile can define theoutermost radial extent of the apparatus along the insertable length ofthe apparatus when the apparatus is in the release configuration.

The elongate member can be substantially straight as it extends from theelongate member endpoint to the elongate rod lumen proximal of thesidewall opening.

The rod and the elongate member can form an implant grip locatedproximal of the elongate member endpoint and comprising a space betweenthe rod and the elongate member that is bounded on at least four sidesthereof and is configured to prevent disengagement of the implantportion when the rod is moved distally and proximally within aconstraining lumen.

The sidewall opening can face radially outward in a direction transverseto the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The elongate member can be removably connected to the rod at theelongate member endpoint.

A twenty-fourth embodiment comprises a method. The method comprisesinserting an introducer sheath into a blood vessel; pushing an elongate,bioresorbable vascular implant into the vessel through the sheath via apushrod. The pushrod holds the distal end of the implant in an implantgrip formed on one side by the pushrod and on another side by aretractable elongate flexible member received within a lumen of thepushrod proximal of the implant grip and extending to a flexible memberendpoint distal of the implant grip. The elongate flexible member passesthrough or along a sidewall opening of the pushrod as it extends fromthe pushrod lumen to the flexible member endpoint. The method furthercomprises releasing the implant from the pushrod by retracting theelongate flexible member proximally of the sidewall opening; andwithdrawing the pushrod proximally from the portion of the implantpositioned in the blood vessel while gently urging any implant materialfound to be in the sidewall opening outward therefrom.

Further optional features and variations of this twenty-fourthembodiment are presented in the following paragraphs. The presentdisclosure contemplates and includes employing these optional featuresand variations in the twenty-fourth embodiment (or in any otherembodiment summarized or described herein), either alone or in anyfeasible combination of two or more such optional features andvariations.

In the method, gently urging any implant material comprises doing sowith a sloping portion of the sidewall opening.

The method can further comprise avoiding snagging or displacing theportion of the implant positioned in the vessel when withdrawing thepushrod by virtue of the gently urging.

The method can further comprise reducing the chance of snagging ordisplacing the portion of the implant positioned in the vessel whenwithdrawing the pushrod, by causing the pushrod to take on a maximumradial profile no larger than a proximal insertable shaft portion of thepushrod once the elongate flexible member has been drawn into the lumenof the pushrod.

The method can further comprise pulling a portion of the implantproximally with the pushrod and implant grip, after pushing the implantinto the vessel but before releasing the implant from the implant grip.

The method can further comprise expanding or increasing the density of adistal portion of the implant by pulling the distal portion of theimplant proximally with the pushrod and implant grip, after pushing theimplant into the vessel but before releasing the implant from theimplant grip.

In the method, the blood vessel can comprise a vein in a leg. The methodcan optionally further comprise occluding the vein with the implant.

The method can further comprise withdrawing the introducer sheath fromthe blood vessel while leaving the implant in position in the vessel.The method can optionally further comprise holding the implant inposition in the vessel with the pushrod while withdrawing the sheath.The method can optionally further comprise allowing the implant toself-expand within the vessel by virtue of withdrawing the sheath.

In the method, the sidewall opening can face radially outward in adirection transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pushrod.

The elongate member can be removably connected to the pushrod at theflexible member endpoint, and releasing the implant can comprisedisconnecting the flexible member from the pushrod.

Certain objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments aredescribed herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarilyall such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with anyparticular embodiment. Thus, for example, an embodiment may be practicedor carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage orgroup of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otherobjects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Despite the foregoing discussion of certain embodiments, only theappended claims, and such other claims as may be presented in the futurebased on the disclosure herein (and not the present Summary), areintended to define the invention(s) protected hereby. The summarizedembodiments, and other embodiments, are presented in the followingdetailed description having reference to the attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a human leg and portions of the deep andsuperficial venous systems.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of an embodiment of an implant for occludinga hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venous systemsshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary introducer sheath accordingto one embodiment for facilitating introduction of the implant of FIG. 2into a hollow anatomical structure.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a system according to one embodimentcomprising the introducer sheath of FIG. 3 and an embodiment of anapparatus for storage and/or introduction of the implant of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view identical to FIG. 4 with the introducersheath and an embodiment of a coupler assembly of the apparatuscomprising proximal and distal couplers shown as exploded.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the region labeled “VI” in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the region labeled “VII” in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of distal portions of the system of FIG. 4with an introducer of the apparatus in a storage position according toone embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distal coupler of the couplerassembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of an embodiment of theintroducer, particularly the proximal end of the introducer, of theapparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 12 is a sectional perspective view of the distal end of theintroducer (in section) from FIG. 11 and the implant of FIG. 2 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 with the introducer of theapparatus of FIG. 4 in an advancing position according to oneembodiment; the implant is not shown for clarity.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of FIG. 13; the implant is not shown forclarity.

FIGS. 15-24A illustrate various exemplary stages of a method of use ofthe system according to one embodiment:

FIG. 15 illustrates the leg of FIG. 1 with a shaft of the introducersheath of FIG. 3 located in the greater saphenous vein of the leg.

FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of the region labeled “XV-A” in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 with the distal coupler of theapparatus of FIG. 5 mounted to the introducer sheath.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 with the apparatus of FIG. 5mounted to the distal coupler and introducer sheath.

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 15A with the introducer of FIG. 11 andthe implant of FIG. 2 fully advanced into the introducer sheath in thegreater saphenous vein.

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 16 during removal of the apparatusfrom the distal coupler and the introducer sheath.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19 after removal of the apparatus fromthe distal coupler and the introducer sheath and trimming of theimplant.

FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 18 after removal of the distal couplerand the introducer sheath from the greater saphenous vein.

FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 19 illustrating release of the implantfrom the introducer.

FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 illustrating the implant in thegreater saphenous vein after removal of the introducer from the greatersaphenous vein.

FIG. 24 illustrates the leg after implantation of the implant in thegreater saphenous vein.

FIG. 24A is a plan view of the exterior region of the leg labeled“XXIV-A” in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 25A, 25B, and 25C provide sectional views of a body of the implantof FIG. 2 in storage, introduction, and implantation conditions,respectively.

FIG. 26 is an elevation view of a system according to another embodimentcomprising the introducer sheath of FIG. 3 and an embodiment of anapparatus for storage and/or introduction of the implant of FIG. 2.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a right housing shell of the apparatus.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a left housing shell of the apparatus.

FIG. 30 is perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view of distal portions of the system of FIG. 26with an introducer of the apparatus in a storage position according toone embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view through line 33-33 of FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is a sectional view through line 34-34 of FIG. 30, with only aportion of a pushrod is shown for clarity.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view through line 35-35 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view through line 36-36 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 31 with the introducer ofthe apparatus of FIG. 26 in an advancing position according to oneembodiment; the implant is not shown for clarity.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of FIG. 37; the implant is not shown forclarity.

FIG. 39 illustrates the leg of FIG. 1 with a shaft of the introducersheath of FIG. 3 located in the greater saphenous vein of the leg, thedistal coupler of the apparatus of FIG. 26 mounted to the introducersheath, and the apparatus of FIG. 26 mounted to the distal coupler andintroducer sheath.

FIG. 40 is a view similar to FIG. 39 during removal of the apparatusfrom the distal coupler and the introducer sheath.

FIG. 41 is a view similar to FIG. 40 after removal of the apparatus fromthe distal coupler and the introducer sheath and trimming of theimplant.

FIG. 42 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an implant foroccluding a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venoussystems shown in FIG. 1, showing the implant in an unaugmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 43 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 42, showing the implantin an augmented configuration.

FIG. 44 illustrates the leg of FIG. 1 and the implant of FIG. 42 locatedin the greater saphenous vein, with the implant in the unaugmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 45 is a view similar to FIG. 44 illustrating the implant in theaugmented configuration.

FIG. 46 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an implant foroccluding a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venoussystems shown in FIG. 1, showing the implant in an unaugmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 47 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 46, showing the implantin an augmented configuration.

FIG. 48 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an implant foroccluding a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venoussystems shown in FIG. 1, showing the implant in an augmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 49 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 48, showing a firstaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 50 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 49, showing a secondaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 51 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 50, showing a thirdaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 52 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an implant foroccluding a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venoussystems shown in FIG. 1, showing the implant in an unaugmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 53 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 52, showing a firstaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 54 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 53, showing a secondaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 55 is an elevation view of another embodiment of an implant foroccluding a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein in the venoussystems shown in FIG. 1, showing the implant in an unaugmentedconfiguration.

FIG. 56 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 55, showing a firstaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 57 is an elevation view of similar to FIG. 56, showing secondaugmentation zone in an augmented configuration.

FIG. 58 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of anintroducer, particularly the proximal end of the introducer.

FIG. 59 is an enlarged top view of the introducer from FIG. 58.

FIG. 60 is a sectional perspective view of the distal end of theintroducer (in section) from FIG. 58 and the implant of FIG. 2 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 61 is a view similar to FIG. 60 illustrating release of the implantfrom the introducer.

FIG. 62 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of anintroducer, particularly the proximal end of the introducer.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged top view of the introducer from FIG. 62.

FIG. 64 is a sectional perspective view of the distal end of theintroducer (in section) from FIG. 62 and the implant of FIG. 2 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a view similar to FIG. 64 illustrating release of the implantfrom the introducer.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of anintroducer, particularly the proximal end of the introducer.

FIG. 67 is an enlarged top view of the introducer from FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 is a sectional perspective view of the distal end of theintroducer (in section) from FIG. 66 and the implant of FIG. 2 accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 69 is a view similar to FIG. 68 illustrating release of the implantfrom the introducer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a method and apparatus forstorage and/or introduction of an implant into a hollow anatomicalstructure (HAS). The term “hollow anatomical structure” is a broad termand is used in its ordinary sense, including, without limitation, veins,arteries, gastric structures, coronary structures, pulmonary structures,tubular structures associated with reproductive organs such as fallopiantubes, uteri, hollow organs and the like. Hollow anatomical structuresparticularly suited to treatment or occlusion by the methods andapparatuses of the disclosed embodiments include veins, such as veins ofthe lower extremities, for example, veins in the leg, and fallopiantubes.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for occluding a hollow anatomicalstructure, such as the veins shown in FIG. 1, in a patient or subjectusing an implant such as occluding device or occluding material aredisclosed. The terms “subject” and “patient” as used herein, refer toanimals, such as mammals. For example, mammals contemplated by oneskilled in the art include humans, primates, dogs, cats, sheep, cattle,goats, pigs, horses, mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and the like. Theterms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably.

The terms “occluding device,” “occluding implant,” and “occludingmaterial” as used herein are broad terms and are used in their ordinarysense, including, without limitation, a substance or device that iscapable of occluding or causing occlusion of a HAS. Occluding materialsor occluding devices can be formed or fabricated ex situ or formed insitu (e.g., by curing of a prepolymer or uncured polymer). The term“occluding material” as employed herein, includes prepolymers, uncuredpolymers, unsolidified materials, as well as occluding materialsinserted into a patient in polymerized, procured, or solidified form.Biologic materials, e.g., gelatin and thrombin, can also be usedseparately or in combination with the occlusive materials. Bioresorbablematerials are exemplary occluding materials, although other materialscan also be used as desired. For example, in one embodiment, theoccluding implant can include fibers and/or other components formed frompolylactides (PLA) and/or polyglycolides (PGA) or copolymers thereof.

Occluding can include, but is not limited to, blocking by insertion of aplug or other structure into the HAS, such as any one or combination ofthe veins shown in FIG. 1, that prevents or inhibits flow therethrough,adhering opposite walls of the HAS together so as to prevent or inhibitflow therethrough, compressing the walls of the HAS together so as toprevent or inhibit flow therethrough, or initiating a physiologicalreaction to an applied force or substance (e.g., energy, chemicals,drugs, physical contact, pressure or the like) that causes flow throughthe HAS to be inhibited or prevented (e.g., formation of a fibrotic plugor growth of connective tissue). Occlusion can be immediate, or onset ofocclusion can be delayed. Occlusion can be partial (i.e., permitting areduced flow through the HAS) or complete (i.e., permitting no orsubstantially no flow through the HAS). Occlusion can be permanent ortemporary. Occlusion can be affected by resorption characteristics ofthe material. Occlusion can result in physical change or damage to theHAS (e.g., tissue fibrosis or necrosis) or can block the HAS withoutsubstantial physical change (e.g., a biocompatible plug). The mechanismsby which occlusion can occur include but are not limited to formation ofan organized fibrotic occlusion resulting from the body's naturalforeign body healing response, formation of a wound or damage to tissue,expansion of the occluding device or occluding material, release of achemical or bioactive agent (e.g., a sclerosant, inflammatory agent,cytokine, growth factor, clotting factor, tissue attachment factor, orother agent) from the occluding device or occluding material,venoconstriction, compression, and ligation.

Referring to FIG. 2, an implant 10 according to one embodiment forocclusion of a hollow anatomic structure comprises a bioresorbable body12. In one embodiment, the body 12 comprises a bioresorbable material infibrous form, which can comprise a collection of individual fibers thatcan be spun into multi-filament yarns. The fibers or yarns can betextured to impart bulk. In one embodiment, multiple fibers or yarns canbe assembled together to form the body 12. The textured fibers or yarnscan be made wavy to prevent adjacent yarns from lying closely together;some fibers or yarns may tangle together. The fibers can be treatedand/or agglomerated in any suitable manner to achieve a desired texture,density, geometry, etc. The fibers can be made or treated such that thebody 12 can be compressible and/or expandable. For example, as shown inthe illustrated embodiment, the body 12 can naturally assume an expandedcondition and convert to a compressed condition upon application of acompressive force. Alternatively, the body 12 can naturally assume acompressed condition and convert to an expanded condition uponapplication of an expansive force. The bioresorbable material can be anysuitable bioresorbable material, such as a material from the family ofalpha hydroxy acids, for example polylactide (PLA) and/or polyglycolide(PGA).

Suitable forms and materials for the bulked fibrous bioresorbable body(and/or individual yarns or fibers) are disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2006/0212127, published Sep. 21, 2006, andentitled, “Structures for Permanent Occlusion of a Hollow AnatomicalStructure,” and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0248640,published Oct. 25, 2007, and entitled, “Occlusive Implant and Methodsfor Hollow Anatomical Structure.” Of those publications, the followingis incorporated herein by reference: paragraphs 0010-0171 of PublicationNo. 2007/0248640 and the drawings referenced in those paragraphs.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the implant further includes a tether 14coupled to the body 12. As one example, the body 12 can be generallyelongated with a distal end 16 and a proximal end 18, the distancebetween the distal end 16 and the proximal end 18 (i.e., the length ofthe body 12) optionally being greater than the cross-sectional diameterof the body 12, and the tether 14 is coupled near or to the distal end16 of the body 12. The tether 14 can be coupled to the body 12 in anysuitable manner, examples of which include tying or stitching the tether14 to the body 12, employing a coupling agent, such as a bioresorbableor non-bioresorbable adhesive, and making the tether 14 integral withthe body 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the tether 14 is coupled tothe body 12 by tying the tether 14 around the body 12 near a center ofthe length of the body 12, and the body 12 is bent or turned where thetether 14 is coupled to the body 12 such that the body 12 is folded uponitself. As a result of this configuration, the coupling location of thetether 14 forms the distal end 16 of the body 12, and the free ends ofthe body 12 folded upon each other form the proximal end 18 of the body12. The tether 14 can have any suitable length relative to the length ofthe body 12. For example, the length of the tether 14 can be greaterthan, equal to, or less than that of the body 12.

The tether 14 can be bioresorbable and made of the same material as thebody 12 or of a material different than that of the body 12.Alternatively, the tether 14 can be non-bioresorbable. Further, thetether 14 can be inelastic or elastic. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 2, the tether 14 is made of the same bioresorbable material as thebody 12; the body 12 comprises multiple fibers processed and texturedsuch that the body 12 is bulked, elastic, and compressible, and thetether 14 comprises multiple fibers spun into a single, relativelysmooth, and inelastic yarn, wherein the cross-sectional diameter of thebody 12 in its natural expanded condition is significantly greater thanthe cross-sectional diameter of the tether 14.

The implant 10 can be positioned in a HAS to occlude the HAS such thatblood flow through the HAS is reduced or prevented. While the implant 10can be positioned in the HAS in any suitable manner, such as the mannersdisclosed in the above-incorporated material from a patent applicationpublication, additional or alternative techniques and/or apparatus canbe employed, as discussed herein.

In one embodiment, the implant body 12 has an overall linear massdensity of 7200 denier, and is formed from 48 plies of 75 denier, 30filament, 100% polyglycolide (PGA) yarns. The PGA material has amolecular weight (Mn) over 12,750 and a polydispersity (PDI) between 1.1and 1.8. A 30 cm length of the collected 48 plies has a breaking loadbetween 30 and 50 lbf. Among the 48 plies, 24 are “S” twisted and 24 are“Z” twisted, all with a false twist texture of 90 twists per inch. Theyarns are false twisted individually using pin twist texturing. The 48plies are doubled over once at the distal end 16 of the body 12 tocreate a 7200 denier implant body 12. The tether 14 is formed from 16plies of 75 denier, 30 filament, 100% polyglycolide (PGA) yarns. Thefilament denier is 2.5, or about 2.5. All 16 plies are “Z” twistedbetween 3 and 4 twists per inch and heat set. A 40 cm length of thecollected 16 plies has a breaking load between 10 and 17 lbf.

The 48-ply yarn is preferably cleaned by passing it in “reel to reel”fashion through an ultrasonic cleaning bath filled with ≧99% isopropylalcohol at a temperature maintained below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Thealcohol is replaced at a rate sufficient to clean no more than 100 gramsof yarn per gallon of alcohol. After the cleaning bath the yarn is driedby running it past one or more drying air jets.

After cleaning and drying, the yarn can be further bulked by heating.From a supply reel, the yarn is passed through a roller set and thendownward in a generally vertical orientation from the roller set, andthrough a vertically oriented cylindrical heating chamber positionedbelow the roller set. A takeup reel positioned below and to the side ofthe lower end of the heating chamber takes up the yarn after it movesthrough and past the heating chamber. The roller set above the heatingchamber pulls the yarn from the supply reel and pushes it downwardthrough the heating chamber. The takeup reel is driven at a speed orspeeds that leave the yarn fairly slack between the roller set and thetakeup reel, and the yarn passes through the heating chamber in thisslack condition so that the filaments separate somewhat for heating. Theheating chamber is 4 inches long and 2 inches in inside diameter and theyarn is fed into the heating chamber at a feed speed of 0.0124 metersper second. The heating chamber heats the passing yarn with acircumferential hot air flow directed inwardly at the yarn, whichtravels approximately along the central vertical axis of the chamber.Air is flowed at a pressure of 60 PSI (+/−5 PSI) through a heateroperated at a temperature of 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably 275degrees. The heated, pressurized air then flows into the chamber via acircumferential opening or “slit” formed in the chamber inner wall. Thetemperature inside the chamber, measured at the chamber inner wall nextto the circumferential slit (and the incoming airflow) is 155-165degrees Fahrenheit. The circumferential arrangement of the hot airinflow helps to prevent asymmetric inward airflows which can tend toblow the yarn off-axis and induce tension in the yarn and therebydisrupt the bulking.

The dried and heat-bulked yarn can then be cut to the appropriate length(preferably 50 cm) and the tether 14 is tied to the midpoint. The twohalves of the yarn are folded against each other to form the implantbody 12 with the tether 14 tied at the distal end of the body 12.

The above specified parameters for the implant body 12 and tether 14 canbe varied or disregarded in other embodiments. The implant body 12 canhave a linear mass density between 6000 and 8000, or between 4000 and10,000. Between 60 and 120, or between 40 and 140, or between 20 and 200twists per inch can be employed in texturing the plies/fibers/filamentsof the implant body 12. The number and size of the plies can be varied,or a single ply can be employed. Where multiple plies are employed inthe body 12, half can be “S” twisted and half can be “Z” twisted.Bioabsorbable materials other than PGA, such as polylactic acid (PLA),or any other suitable bioabsorbable or bioresorbable material specifiedherein can be employed, either alone or in combination with other suchmaterials. For example, a mixture of PGA and PLA plies/fibers/filamentscan be used. Non-bioabsorbable or non-bioresorbable materials can beemployed as well. The filament denier in the body 12 can vary between1.5 and 3.5, or between 0.5 and 5.0, while the filament count can varybetween 2000 and 4000, or between 1000 and 5000, or otherwise to fallwithin the above specified ranges for linear mass density. Where PGA isused in forming the body 12, the molecular weight (Mn) can vary between10,000 and 15,000, or between 5,000 and 20,000.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an introducer sheath 20that can be used to facilitate introduction of an implant, such as theimplant 10 in FIG. 2 or other suitable implant, into a HAS. Theintroducer sheath 20 can be any suitable device configured for insertioninto the HAS and for introduction of the implant 10 into the HAS; manyvarieties of introducer sheaths are commercially available and known toone skilled in the art. On example of an introducer sheath 20 isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,497, issued Apr. 27, 1999, and entitled“Guiding Catheter Introducer Assembly.” The depicted introducer sheath20 in FIG. 3 is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intendedto limit the present disclosure in any manner.

The illustrated introducer sheath 20 has a tubular and flexible shaft 22with a lumen 24 and, at its distal end, a protective distal tip portion26. The sheath 20 further includes a hub 28 attached to a proximal endof the shaft 22 and having a pair of annular shoulders, a proximalshoulder 30 and a distal shoulder 32. The hub 28 also comprises aproximal opening 34 generally aligned with and in communication with thelumen 24 at the proximal end of the shaft 22, a distal rotatablefrustoconical sleeve 36 that includes the distal shoulder 32 and aradially extending anchoring flange 38, and a side port 40 extendingradially from the hub 28 between the shoulders 30, 32. A sidearm 42connected to the side port 40 of the hub 28 terminates at a fluidfitting 44 to facilitate introduction of fluids through the sidearm 42and into the side port 40. In the depicted embodiment, the hub 28 isconfigured for fluid communication between the side port 40 and theshaft 22 such that a fluid introduced into the fluid fitting 44 can flowinto the lumen 24 of the shaft 22. The sheath 20 can be sized forinsertion into a HAS; as an example, the shaft 22 of the sheath 20 canhave an outer diameter of about 1-5 mm. Another example of theintroducer sheath 20 is an 8 F sheath having a length of about 55 cm.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the introducer sheath 20 can be included in asystem 46 with the implant 10 of FIG. 2, or other suitable implant, andan apparatus 50 configured for storing and/or surgically introducing theimplant 10 into a HAS. The depicted apparatus 50 comprises an implantstorage unit 52 adapted to store the implant 10 prior to and duringintroduction of the implant 10 into the HAS, a coupler assembly 54configured to couple the apparatus 50 to the introducer sheath 20, andan introducer assembly 56 that, when manipulated by the practitionermanually or through the operation of a motorized drive system, orthrough a manually operated gear train or other mechanism, feeds theimplant from the implant storage unit 52, through the coupler assembly54, and into the introducer sheath 20 for placement of the implant 10 inthe HAS. In FIG. 5, the coupler assembly 54 of the apparatus 50 isillustrated as exploded to facilitate viewing the relative positioningof the introducer sheath 22 and the apparatus 50.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the implant storage unit 52 of thedepicted embodiment comprises a generally cylindrical tube 60 sized toaccommodate the implant 10, as will be discussed in further detailbelow, and having a lumen 62 extending between the tube proximal anddistal ends. An end cap 64 closes the proximal end of the tube 60, andthe coupler assembly 54 receives the open distal end of the tube 60, aswill be described in more detail below. The exemplary end cap 64 (seeFIG. 6) has a closure wall 66 oriented generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the tube 60, a generally cylindrical body 68extending axially within the tube 60, and an annular flange 70surrounding the closure wall 66 and abutting the proximal end of thetube 60. The tube 60 and corresponding end cap 64 can be generallycylindrical, as described above and shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and otherconfigurations are contemplated, including tubes and end caps havingtriangular, rectangular, and square cross-sectional shapes. The tube 60and end cap 64 can have any suitable configuration and are not limitedto the geometries described herein and illustrated in the figures.

As shown in FIG. 6, which is an enlarged view of the region labeled “VI”in FIG. 5, the end cap 64 can optionally function as an anchor for theimplant 10 stored within the tube 60. Anchoring of the implant 10inhibits bunching of the implant body 12 toward the distal end of thetube 60 and tangling of the tether 14. The end cap 64 can anchor theimplant 10 in any desired manner, and, in the illustrated embodiment,the proximal end 18 of the implant body 12 and the proximal end of thetether 14 are positioned or sandwiched between the end cap body 68 andthe side wall of the tube 60. The relative dimensions of the end capbody 68 and the tube 60 provide sufficient clearance for the body 12 andthe tether 14 while applying a compressive force thereto to therebyretain the body 12 and the tether 14 at the proximal end of the tube 60.Optionally, a portion of the body 12 and/or the tether 14 can extend outthe tube 60 between the flange 70 and the proximal end of the tube 60.Alternative methods of anchoring the implant 10 include, but are notlimited to, employing an adhesive between the implant 10 and the end cap64 and/or the tube 60. Further, the implant 10 can be anchored by thebody 12, the tether 14, or both the body 12 and the tether 14.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, which is an enlarged view of the regionlabeled “VII” in FIG. 5, the depicted coupler assembly 54 that couplesthe apparatus 50 to the introducer sheath 20 comprises mating proximaland distal couplers 80, 82. The proximal coupler 80 includes a tubularconduit 84 having a storage portion 86 and a coupling portion 88. In thedepicted embodiment, the storage portion 86 and the coupling portion 88are oriented at an obtuse angle α relative to each other. As an example,the angle α can be about 150 degrees; other examples of the angle αinclude 0-180 degrees. As best viewed in the sectional view of FIG. 8and the perspective view of the same region in FIG. 9, the storageportion 86 aligns axially with the tube 60 and receives the distal endof the tube 60 to thereby connect the tube 60 and the storage portion 86of the proximal coupler 80. The tube 60 and the proximal coupler 80 canbe joined in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, an interferencefit, with an adhesive, a snap fit, etc. An aperture 90 formed through aside wall of the storage portion 86 is aligned and can be generallycollinear with the longitudinal axis of the coupling portion 88 and,when the system 46 is assembled, the proximal opening 30 of the hub 28and the lumen 24 of the introducer sheath shaft 22.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the coupling portion 88 houses an insert 92having an introducer guide 94 in the form of a frustoconical wall thattapers distally and terminates at a duct 96 defining a channel 98 havingan exit opening 100 surrounded by an annular distal face 102. Thechannel 98 and the exit opening 100 are oriented in axial alignment withthe aperture 90 in the storage portion 86. The insert 92 furthercomprises a pair of opposing bayonet fitting keyways 104 formed in anouter wall 106 generally coaxial with the duct 96 and extending from theintroducer guide 94 to a distal face 108 generally coplanar with theduct distal face 102. The insert 92 can be secured to the couplingportion 88 in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, aninterference fit, with an adhesive, a snap fit, etc.; alternatively, theinsert 92 or the features of the insert 92 can be integrally formed withthe coupling portion 88.

While the proximal coupler 80 has been described as comprising thetubular conduit 84 having the storage portion 86 and the couplingportion 88 that houses the insert 92, the proximal coupler 80 canalternatively be considered as comprising only the insert 92, whichperforms a coupling function, with the tubular conduit 84, whichperforms a storage function, considered as an extension or part of theimplant storage unit 52. Regardless, the exit opening 100 functions asan exit opening for the implant storage unit 52 and the overallapparatus 50 as the implant 10 exits the implant storage unit 52 and theapparatus 50 through the exit opening 100. The tubular conduit 84 andthe insert 92 can be constructed in any desired manner with either orboth parts functioning to partially store the implant 10 and/or couplethe apparatus 50 to the introducer sheath 20.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the depicted embodiment of the couplerassembly distal coupler 82 comprises a distal generally cylindrical body110, a proximal generally cylindrical body 112, and a distally taperingfrustoconical flange 114 therebetween. The distal body 110 and thefrustoconical flange 114 can optionally include a grip 116, such as agrip 116 in the form of a plurality of grooves, to facilitatemanipulation of the distal coupler 82 by the practitioner. While thedistal and proximal bodies 110, 112 can have any suitable relativedimensions, the distal body 110 of the illustrated embodiment is longerthan and has a smaller cross-sectional diameter than the proximal body112. The proximal body 112 is sized for insertion into and receipt bythe proximal coupler 80 of the coupler assembly 54, particularly theinsert 92 of the proximal coupler 80, and includes a pair of opposingkeys 118 configured for receipt and sliding movement in the bayonetfitting keyways 104 of the insert 92 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 for relationshipbetween the proximal body 112 and the insert 92). The proximal body 112and the frustoconical flange 114 meet at a proximally-facing annularsurface 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the distal coupler 80 includes anelongated slot 122 extending the entire length of the distal coupler 80and providing access to a central bore 124. The slot 122 comprises afirst portion 126 sized at least for receipt of the shaft 22 of theintroducer sheath 20 and a second portion 128 sized at least for receiptof the side port 40 of the introducer sheath 20. In the illustratedembodiment, the first and second portions 126, 128 are sized to receivethe shaft 22 and the side port 40 such that the shaft 22 and the sideport 40 have limited lateral movement within the slot 122. Referringback to FIGS. 8 and 9, the bore 124 has three coaxial sections, first,second, and third sections 130, 132, 134, that increase proximally incross-sectional area relative to each other. The first section 130 issized for receipt of the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath 20, thesecond section 132 is sized for receipt of the sleeve 36 on the hub 28of the introducer sheath 20, and the third section 134 is sized forreceipt of the remaining portion of the hub 28 and of the duct 96 of theproximal coupler 80. The first and second sections 130, 132 join at afrustoconical wall 136; the frustoconical wall 136 and the first section130 are coincident with the first portion 126 of the slot 122. Thesecond and third sections 132, 134 meet at a proximally-facing stop 138.

The proximal and distal couplers 80, 82 of the coupler assembly 54 canbe connected together, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, to couple theapparatus 50 to the introducer sheath 20. In the coupled condition, theproximal and distal couplers 80, 82 retain the hub 28 of the introducersheath 20 therebetween. In particular, the proximal end of the hub 28abuts the duct distal face 102 of the proximal coupler 80, and thedistal shoulder 32 of the hub 28 abuts the stop 138 of the distalcoupler 82. Consequently, the aperture 90 and the channel 98 defined bythe duct 96 of the proximal coupler 80 align axially with the proximalopening 34 of the hub 28 and, thereby, the lumen 24 at the proximal endof the shaft 22. The slot 122 of the distal coupler 82 accommodates theradially extending components of the hub 28, particularly the retainingflange 38 and the side port 40, which is connected to the sidearm 44seen in FIG. 9. To retain the coupler assembly 54 in the coupledcondition, the proximal coupler keyways 104 receive the distal couplerkeys 118 in a known bayonet fitting fashion, and the proximally-facingannular surface 120 between the proximal body 112 and the frustoconicalflange 114 of the distal coupler 82 abuts the distal face 108 of theproximal coupler 80.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the depicted embodiment of the introducerassembly 56 of the apparatus 50 comprises an introducer or pushrod 150partially stored within a tubular casing 152 mounted to the tube 60 ofthe implant storage unit 52 via brackets 154. The brackets 154 can bemounted to an exterior wall of the tube 60; alternatively, the brackets154 can join adjacent segments that form the tube 60, whereby thebrackets 154 can themselves form part of the tube 60. The length of thecasing 152 is sufficient to encase the proximal end of the pushrod 150prior to use of the apparatus 50 for delivery of the implant 10.Further, the casing 152 can be coiled one or more times to accommodatethe length of the pushrod 150 and, thereby, maintain a relativelycompact configuration for the assembly 50. The pushrod 150 projects fromthe distal end of the casing 152 and into the aperture 90 of theproximal coupler 80. An exposed portion 156 of the pushrod 150 betweenthe distal end of the casing 152 and the aperture 90 provides a grippingarea for the practitioner to grasp and manipulate the pushrod 150.Alternatively, the exposed portion 156 can be gripped or engaged by amotorized drive system (not shown) or a non-motorized gear train orother mechanism operated by the practitioner to manipulate the pushrod150. Using such a motorized drive system, etc. may advantageouslyprovide for single-handed operation of the apparatus 50 by thepractitioner.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pushrod 150 extends through the aperture90 and into the tubular conduit 84, where it terminates at a distal tipregion 158, which is shown in an enlarged sectional view of the proximaland distal ends of the pushrod 150 in FIG. 11 (implant 10 not shown forclarity). As seen in this figure, the distal tip region 158 of thepushrod 150 includes spaced openings 160, 162 providing access to aninternal lumen 164 that terminates at a distal plug 166. A wire 168resides within the lumen 164 except for an implant retaining portion 170located externally of the lumen 164 between the openings 160, 162. Thewire 168 exits and enters the lumen 164 through the openings 160, 162 toform the implant retaining portion 170. The wire 168 can be coupled tothe pushrod 150 at or near the distal ends thereof by any suitablemeans, such as welding, adhesives, crimping of the pushrod 150 onto thewire tip, a friction fit, interference fit, etc. Alternatively, thedistal portion of the wire 168 can be located in but not connected tothe distal portion of the pushrod 150.

With reference to FIG. 12, which illustrates the distal end of thepushrod 150 and the implant 10, the implant retaining portion 170attaches the implant 10 to the pushrod 150 for cooperative movementduring advancement of the pushrod 150. In the illustrated embodiment,the implant 10 attaches to the implant retaining portion 170 at thedistal end 16 of the body 12 at or near where the tether 14 connects tothe body 12. In particular, the distal end 16 is held between theimplant retaining portion 170 of the wire 168 and the portion of thepushrod 150 between the openings 160, 162. In this configuration, thetether 14 and about half of the length of the body 12 are located on oneside of the wire 168 and the other half of the length of the body 12 arelocated on the opposite side of the wire 168. The body 12 wraps aroundthe wire 168 such that the free ends of the body 12 are folded upon eachother form the proximal end 18 of the body 12, as described above. Theimplant retaining portion 170 forms a closed noose or snare around theimplant 10 that permits the implant 10 to be retained whether thepushrod 150 is pushed distally or pulled proximally. The implantretaining portion 170 can further be configured to hold the implant 10against the portion of the pushrod 150 between the openings 160, 162tightly enough to prevent shifting of the implant 10. Theabove-described attachment of the implant 10 and the pushrod 150provides an exemplary manner of attachment; the implant 10 and thepushrod 150 can be joined in any suitable manner and are not limited tothat described above and shown in the figures.

Referring again to FIG. 11, the distal end of the wire 168 is removablyattached to the distal plug 166 such that the wire 168 separates fromthe distal plug 166, or other portion of the pushrod 150, uponapplication of a suitable proximal force to the wire 168. Continuationof the proximal force pulls the wire 168 through the openings 160, 162such that the distal end of the wire 168 resides within the lumen 164proximally of the openings 160, 162, thereby releasing the implant 10(FIG. 12) from the wire 168 and the pushrod 150. Releasing the implant10 from the pushrod 150 will be described in greater detail with respectto the description below of the operation of the system 46. The proximalforce can be applied by, for example, the practitioner or a motorizeddrive system, non-motorized gear train or mechanism, etc. pulling on thewire 168, in which case, a proximal end of the wire 168 can project fromthe pushrod 150, such as through the proximal end of the pushrod 150, asshown in FIG. 11. The type and degree of attachment between the wire 168and the pushrod 150 can be selected according to a desired proximalforce required to effect separation of the wire 168 from the pushrod150. As examples, the wire 168 can be attached to the pushrod 150 withan adhesive or by chemical joining processes, including various types ofwelding. Alternatively, the wire 168 can be integrally formed with thepushrod 150 and, optionally, scored, such as by a notch or incision, tofacilitate the separation.

The pushrod 150 can be manipulated by the practitioner, manually orthrough the operation of a motorized or non-motorized drive system,between various positions for introducing the implant 10 into a HAS.FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a retracted or storage position of the pushrod150; the storage position corresponds to a position of the pushrod 150and, thereby, the implant 10 prior to use of the apparatus forintroduction of the implant 10 into the HAS (i.e., during storage). Inthe exemplary storage position of FIGS. 8 and 9, the distal tip region158 of the pushrod 150 resides in the proximal coupler 80, particularlyat the bend between the storage portion 86 and the coupling portion 88of the tubular conduit 84, and in axial alignment with the channel 98.As a result, the implant 10 extends from the pushrod 150, through thestorage portion 86 of the tubular conduit 84, and through the tube 60for storage in the storage portion 86 and the tube 60.

The components in which the implant 10 is stored, specifically thestorage portion 86 and the tube 60 in the depicted embodiment, can besized to accommodate the implant 10. In one embodiment, the storageportion 86 and the tube 60 have a collective length (i.e., the length ofthe storage portion 86 plus the length of the tube 60 less any overlapbetween the two components) corresponds to the length of the implant 10,that is, the distance between the distal and proximal ends 16, 18 of thebody 12 of the implant 10. In such an embodiment, the body 12 of theimplant 10 extends the collective length of the storage portion 86 andthe tube 60 with no or minimal bunching or folding of the body 12.Alternatively, the collective length of the storage portion 86 and thetube 60 can be less than the length of the body 12 such that the body 12undergoes some bunching or folding upon itself within the storageportion 86 and/or the tube 60. In yet another embodiment, the collectivelength of the storage portion 86 and the tube 60 can be greater than thelength of the body 12. Further, as illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment, the storage portion 86 and/or the tube 60 can each have aninner diameter sufficiently large to accommodate the implant 10 in itsnatural expanded condition. Alternatively, the storage portion 86 and/orthe tube 60 can each have an inner diameter that effectively compressesthe implant 10 from its expanded condition to a compressed condition, atany appropriate degree of compression.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an exemplary storage position; other storagepositions are possible. In other exemplary storage positions, the distaltip region 158 of the pushrod 150 can be located proximally of thatshown in FIGS. 8 and 9, such as between the aperture 90 and the positionshown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Alternatively, the distal tip region 158 of thepushrod 150 can be located distally of that shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, suchas between the position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the exit opening 100of proximal coupler 80. As another alternative, the pushrod 150 canproject beyond the exit opening 100 with the implant 10 residing withinthe proximal coupler 80 and the tube 60.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an advancing position of the pushrod 150; theadvancing position corresponds to a position of the pushrod 150 and,thereby, the implant 10 during use of the apparatus for introduction ofthe implant 10 into the HAS. In the advancing position, the distal tipregion 158 of the pushrod 150 is located distally of its location whenin the storage position; therefore, any distal movement of the pushrod150 from the storage position corresponds to moving the pushrod 150 tothe advancing position. FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an exemplaryadvancing position with the implant 10 not shown for clarity. Whenmoving the pushrod 150 from the storage position to the advancingposition, the distal tip region 158 of the pushrod 150 advances throughthe channel 98 and exit opening 100 of the proximal coupler 80 and intothe introducer sheath 20, particularly into the hub proximal opening 34,through the hub 28, including the collar 36, and into the shaft lumen 24of the introducer sheath 20, which is held by the distal coupler 82. Asthe pushrod 150 so advances, the implant 10 is compressed radially andelongated as it is forced through the tapering introducer guide 94 andinto the lumen 24 of the introducer sheath 20. Thus, when advancing, thepushrod 150 and the implant 10 have a common travel direction leavingthe apparatus 50 through the exit opening 100 and entering theintroducer sheath 20 through the proximal opening 34; in the illustratedembodiment, the travel direction is substantially linear, but otherforms of travel direction are possible depending on the configuration ofthe apparatus 50. Other positions of the pushrod 150 will be describedbelow in conjunction with the description of methods of use of thesystem 46.

Embodiments of methods of use of the system 46 are described below.While the system 46 can be employed in conjunction with any suitableHAS, the methods are described with respect to the greater saphenousvein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood that the methodscan be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, for use in otherHASs. The methods can also be modified or adapted as necessary, ifnecessary, for use with embodiments of the system 46 other than theembodiment employed in the following description. In the description ofthe methods, the various steps are discussed in terms of being performedby the practitioner; however, it is understood that these steps may beperformed by the practitioner manually or through the operation of amotorized or non-motorized drive system.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the system 46, various stages ofwhich are depicted in FIGS. 15-24A, the target HAS (e.g., a vein such asthe greater saphenous vein B) can first be accessed at an access sitethrough the skin by using a suitable access technique (e.g., theSeldinger technique). A guidewire is passed into the vein B, and theintroducer sheath 20 is fed over the guidewire into the vein B andadvanced to the desired implant location. In the case of the greatersaphenous vein B, the desired implant location is just below thesapheno-femoral junction H. The guidewire is then withdrawn from theintroducer sheath 20, thereby leaving the shaft 22 or a portion thereofin the vein B. The position of the introducer sheath 20 relative to thevein B and the sapheno-femoral junction H can be verified usingappropriate techniques, such as ultrasound imaging. FIG. 15 illustratesthe leg A with the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath 20 located in thegreater saphenous vein B and the hub 28 positioned externally of the legA. FIG. 15A provides an enlarged view of the region labeled “XV-A” inFIG. 15 to show the location of the distal tip portion 26 in thesaphenous vein B and relative to the sapheno-femoral junction H.

After advancement of the introducer sheath 20 to the desired implantlocation, the apparatus 50 is coupled to the introducer sheath 20. Tothis end, the distal coupler 82 is mounted to the introducer sheath 20,followed by coupling the proximal and distal couplers 80, 82. Inparticular, the distal coupler 82 is placed onto the shaft 22 distallyof the hub 28, as indicated by the arrow I in FIG. 15, by inserting theshaft 22 through the slot 122 and into the bore 124, and the distalcoupler 82 is then slid proximally along the shaft 22, as indicated bythe arrow J in FIG. 15, and onto the hub 28 with the flange 38 and theside port 40 extending through the slot 122. FIG. 16 illustrates theintroducer sheath 20 with the distal coupler 82 mounted to the hub 28and the proximal end of the shaft 22. Alternatively, the distal coupler82 and the introducer sheath 20 can be coupled together prior toinsertion of the introducer sheath 20 into the vein B, whereby thedistal coupler 82 can be placed onto the introducer sheath 20 throughthe slot 122 in the manner described above, or, in another embodiment,the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath 20 can be inserted directly andaxially into the bore 124 at the proximal end of the bore 124 ratherthan radial insertion through the slot 122.

After the distal coupler 82 is mounted to the introducer sheath 20, theproximal coupler 80 and, thereby, the remainder of the apparatus 50, isattached to the distal coupler 82. Particularly, the keys 118 of thedistal coupler 82 are inserted into the keyways 104 of the proximalcoupler 80, and the proximal and/or distal couplers 80, 82 aremanipulated as needed (e.g., rotated or twisted) to construct thebayonet fitting. FIG. 17 illustrates the introducer sheath 20 with theapparatus 50 mounted thereto. Details of the proximal and distalcouplers 80, 82 and the introducer sheath 20 in the coupledconfiguration are described above and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Notably,the proximal coupler exit opening 100 and the introducer sheath proximalopening 34 are aligned with each other to enable advancement of thepushrod 150 from the apparatus 50, through both openings 100, 34, andinto the introducer sheath 20, as will be described in more detailbelow. In the depicted embodiment, the proximal coupler exit opening 100and the introducer sheath proximal opening 34 are directly adjacent oneanother to effect the alignment, and other methods of aligning theopenings 100, 34 are possible.

With the apparatus 50 coupled to the introducer sheath 20, asillustrated in FIG. 17, the apparatus 50 can be easily handled andmanipulated by the practitioner due to various aspects of the apparatus50. One exemplary contributing aspect is the obtuse angle α. Because ofthe obtuse angle α, the portion of the apparatus 50 located proximallyof the angle vertex, i.e., in the depicted embodiment, the storageportion 86 of the proximal coupler 80, the implant storage unit 52, andthe introducer assembly 56, hereinafter referred to as the systemproximal portion, is angled relative the introducer sheath 20 and theportion of the apparatus 50 located distally of the angle vertex, i.e.,in the depicted embodiment, the coupling portion 88 of the proximalcoupler 80 and the distal coupler 82, hereinafter referred to as thesystem distal portion, when the apparatus 50 is coupled to theintroducer sheath 20. The system proximal portion, depending on themanner in which the practitioner holds the apparatus 50, can be angledupward, downward, laterally, or a combination of laterally and upward orlaterally and downward relative to the system distal portion. As aresult, the portion of the apparatus 50 for storing the implant 10,which defines a storage axis, is offset, particularly, angularly offset,from the location where the implant 10 enters the introducer sheath 20and the vein B, or the travel direction of the pushrod 150 and theimplant 10. This geometry facilitates ease of use of the apparatus 50because the practitioner can orient the system proximal portion asdesired (i.e., upward, downward, laterally, or combination thereof) toallow the practitioner to comfortably hold the apparatus 50 whilelocating the gripping area or exposed portion 156 of the pushrod 150 asdesired for optimal manual manipulation of the pushrod 150.

When the apparatus 50 is oriented as desired, the practitioner canoptionally remove the end cap 64 from the tube 60 such that the implant10 is no longer anchored at the proximal end of the tube 60; theapparatus 50 in this state is ready for introduction of the implant 10into the vein B. The practitioner grasps the exposed portion 156 of thepushrod 150 and moves the pushrod 150 distally from the storage position(see FIGS. 8 and 9) to and distal of the advancing position (see FIGS.13 and 14) by applying a proximal force to the pushrod 150, asillustrated by the arrow K in FIG. 17, thereby advancing the pushrod 150and the implant 10 through the coupler assembly 54. In particular, asdepicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 (notshown for clarity) move distally through the channel 98 and the exitorifice 100 of the proximal coupler 80 to enter the introducer sheath 20at the proximal opening 34. The introducer guide 94 directs the pushrod150 toward the channel 98 if the pushrod 150 diverges from axialalignment with the channel 98 prior to entering the channel 98. Afterentering the proximal opening 34, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10continue their advancement through the hub 28 and into the lumen 24 ofthe shaft 22.

As the pushrod 150 advances the implant 10 through the proximal coupler80, the body 12 of the implant 10 converts from its expanded conditionto a compressed condition as a result of the relatively smallcross-sectional diameter of the channel 98 and exit opening 100; thechannel 98 effectively forces the implant body 12 to compress in orderto pass therethrough. The introducer guide 94 also facilitates thecompression of the implant body 12 as it approaches the channel 98 bygradually reducing the cross-sectional diameter of the implant body 12.Lengthening of the implant body 12 can accompany the compression.Because the proximal opening 34, the hub 28, and the shaft lumen 24 ofthe introducer sheath 20 preferably have a cross-sectional diameterabout equal to that of the channel 98 and the exit opening 100, theimplant body 12 retains substantially the same compressed condition asit moves through the introducer sheath 20.

The pushrod 150 and the implant 10 cease advancement when reaching thedesired implant location, which is just below the sapheno-femoraljunction H in the present example. FIG. 18 illustrates the pushrod 150and the implant 10 fully advanced into the greater saphenous vein B tojust below the sapheno-femoral junction H. In one embodiment, thepractitioner advances the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 until thedistal end of the pushrod 150 is aligned with the distal tip portion 26of the shaft 22 as observed under imaging guidance, such as ultrasoundguidance. Depending on the resolution of the imaging equipment and otherfactors, the distal end of the pushrod 150 can be flush with the distaltip portion 26 of the shaft 22 (i.e., the pushrod end does not projectbeyond the shaft 22), or the distal end of the pushrod 150 can projectbeyond the shaft distal tip portion 26 when observed as being aligned.In another embodiment, the practitioner can advance the distal end ofthe pushrod 150 beyond the distal tip portion 26 of the shaft 22. Withthe pushrod 150 and the implant 10 fully advanced, the implant 10,including the tether 14, preferably extends along the entire length ofthe shaft lumen 24.

While the method of use of the system 46 is described in terms ofadvancement of the pushrod 150 and implant 10 to place the implant 10 atthe desired implant location, some proximal retraction of the may alsoaccompany the placement of the implant 10. Since the implant retainingportion 170 of the pushrod 150 forms a closed noose or snare around theimplant 10, the pushrod 150 can be retracted proximally to withdraw theimplant 10, which is a useful feature in case the pushrod 150 andimplant 10 are advanced beyond the desired implant location. Thisfeature can further be used to add additional bulk to the implant 10once it is placed at the desired implant location, as described below.

After the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 are advanced to the desiredimplant location, the practitioner disconnects the proximal coupler 80from the distal coupler 82 and pulls the implant storage unit 52 and theproximal coupler 80 proximally away from the introducer sheath 20 apredetermined distance, as illustrated in FIG. 19. During the decouplingof the coupler assembly 54 and retraction of the implant storage unit52, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 remain in the position shown inFIG. 18 in the vein B; thus, the pushrod casing 152 moves proximallyalong the pushrod 150, thereby exposing a greater length of the pushrod150. The predetermined distance between the introducer sheath 20 and theimplant storage unit 52 can be selected to expose a predetermined lengthof the implant 10 between the introducer sheath 20 and the implantstorage unit 52. In one embodiment, the practitioner pulls the implantstorage unit 52 and the proximal coupler 80 to expose about 4 cm of theimplant 10. The practitioner then trims the implant body 12 and thetether 14 at the exposed portion. After trimming the implant 10, thepractitioner continues to pull the implant storage unit 52, the proximalcoupler 80 and, thus, the pushrod casing 152, proximally away from theintroducer sheath 20 to fully uncoil and expose the pushrod 150 andseparate the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 from the remainder of theapparatus 50. FIG. 20 illustrates the introducer sheath 20, the pushrod150, and the implant 10 in the leg A after removal of the implantstorage unit 52.

Removal of the introducer sheath 20 follows removal of the implantstorage unit 52. In one embodiment, the practitioner removes theintroducer sheath 20 by holding the pushrod 150 fixed to maintain theimplant 10 just below the sapheno-femoral junction H and withdrawing theintroducer sheath 20 completely from the vein B. As the introducersheath 20 is withdrawn from the vein B, the implant body 12 expands fromthe compressed condition when in the introducer sheath shaft 22 toeffectively fill the vein B less the space occupied by the pushrod 150.FIG. 21 illustrates the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 in the greatersaphenous vein B after removal of the introducer sheath 20.

With the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 in the vein B, the practitionerreleases the implant 10 from the pushrod 150. In one embodiment, thepractitioner can withdraw the pushrod 150 a predetermined distance priorto releasing the implant 10. As an example, the practitioner canwithdraw the pushrod 150 about 1 cm below the sapheno-femoral junction Hto position the distal end 16 of the implant 10 about 2.5 cm below thesapheno-femoral junction H as the distal end 16 of the implant 10 in theillustrated embodiment is located about 1.5 cm proximally of the distalend of the pushrod 150. Withdrawal of the pushrod 150 after placement inthe vein B but prior to releasing the implant 10 can reduce longitudinaltension in the body 12 of the implant and allow the body 12 near thedistal end 16 the freedom and space to bulk up or expand even furtherfrom the expanded condition following removal of the introducer sheath20.

The practitioner then applies a proximal force to the wire 168, such asby pulling on the proximal end of the wire 168, thereby detaching thewire 168 from the distal plug 166. Continued application of the proximalforce retracts the wire 168 through the openings 160, 162 and releasesthe implant 10 from between the wire 168 and the pushrod 150, asillustrated in FIG. 22. The wire 168 can be retracted any desireddistance corresponding to releasing the implant 10 from the pushrod 150.For example, the wire 168 need not be retracted through the proximallylocated opening 160 if pulling the wire 168 through only the distallylocated opening 162 effects release of the implant 10. The retraction ofthe wire 168 through the proximally located opening 160 removes theimplant retaining portion 170 from the implant 10 and gives the pushrod150 a lower profile since the wire 168 is contained within thecircumferential profile of the pushrod 150.

The practitioner follows release of the implant 10 with retraction ofthe pushrod 150 from the vein B. The removal of the implant retainingportion 170 when releasing the implant 10 and the lower profile duringpushrod removal reduce the possibility of snagging the implant 10 on thepushrod 150 as the pushrod 150 is retracted from the vein B. If desired,the practitioner can apply external compression to the vein B and theimplant 10 to maintain the position of the implant 10 in the vein B. Thedistal end 16 of the implant 10 retains its position in the vein Bduring retraction of the pushrod 150 due to its apposition against thevein wall, which is aided with coagulation or “sticking” by blood thatis present in the vicinity. FIG. 23 illustrates the implant 10 in thegreater saphenous vein B after removal of the pushrod 150.

The practitioner can optionally secure the implant 10 to the leg Afollowing removal of the pushrod 150. In one embodiment, the implantbody 12 can be trimmed the location where the implant body 12 exits theleg A (i.e., the access site), and the tether 14 can be trimmed adesired length beyond the location where the tether 14 exits the leg Ato form a tether securing portion 180 projecting from the leg A. Thesecuring portion 180 can be taped or otherwise attached to the exteriorsurface, i.e., the skin, of the leg A, as shown in FIG. 24 and ingreater detail in FIG. 24A, which is an enlarged view of the exteriorsurface of the leg A, particularly the region of the leg A labeled“XXIV-A” in FIG. 24. With the distal end of the tether 14 attached tothe distal end 16 of the implant body 12, and with the securing portion180 attached to the skin, the tether 14 prevents migration of theimplant 10 in the direction of the sapheno-femoral junction. In anotherembodiment, the implant 10, including the tether 14, can be secured tothe access site by incorporation with access site sutures, such as 4-0Vicryl braided or similar sutures.

During the storage and introduction of the implant 10, the implant body12 assumes multiple conditions with respect to the expansion andcompression of the implant body 12. FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate sectionalviews of the implant body 12 in the exemplary conditions. As examples,the implant body 12 in the illustrated embodiment assumes an expandedcondition when in the implant storage unit 52 of the apparatus 50 duringstorage (i.e., a storage condition, FIG. 25A), a first compressedcondition when in the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath 20 duringintroduction (i.e., an introduction condition, FIG. 25B), and, assumingthe HAS has a differing cross-sectional diameter than the shaft 22, asecond compressed condition when in the HAS, shown as the greatersaphenous vein B for illustrative purposes, after implantation (i.e., animplantation condition, FIG. 25C). The implant body 12 also undergoestransitional conditions when converting between the storage,introduction, and implantation conditions. These conditions are imposedon the implant body 12 because of the cross-sectional diameter of thestructure that houses the implant body 12; once the housing structurecross-sectional diameter is sufficient to cause compression of theimplant body 12, compression of the implant body 12 increases as thehousing structure cross-sectional diameter decreases. The housingstructures corresponding to the storage, introduction, and implantationconditions of the illustrated embodiment are, respectively, the tube 60of the implant storage unit 52, the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath20, and the HAS, in this case, the greater saphenous vein B.

The order of the steps described above for the method of use of thesystem 46 can be performed in any desired and suitable order and are notintended to be limited to the order the steps are described above. Forexample, the retraction of the pushrod 150 and the introducer sheath 20can occur in any desired order, i.e., the pushrod 150 first, theintroducer sheath 20 first, or the pushrod 150 and introducer sheath 20simultaneously.

The method can be used with the illustrated apparatus 50, otherembodiments of the illustrated apparatus 50, or other types ofapparatuses for storage and/or introduction of the implant 10 or othersuitable implant. Similarly, the apparatus 50 can be employed with theillustrated implant 10, other embodiments of the illustrated implant 10,or other types of occluding implants. The case is the same with respectto the use of the introducer sheath 20 with the apparatus 50.

The apparatus 50 can be provided as a ready-to-use kit having theimplant 10 disposed in the implant storage unit 52 and connected to thepushrod 150 such that the apparatus 50 can be removed from its packagingfor immediate surgical use. In one embodiment, the kit includes only theapparatus 50; alternatively, the kit can optionally include theintroducer sheath 20 such that the entire system 46 is provided as aready-to-use kit. In one embodiment, the apparatus 50 can be a singleuse device that is disposed after surgical use. Alternatively, theapparatus 50 can be a multiple use device that can be sterilized andprovided with a new implant 10 and, if necessary, a new pushrod 150having a new wire 168, for each surgical use.

FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 200 configuredfor storing and/or surgically introducing the implant 10 into a HAS,which apparatus 200 can be included in a system 190 with the implant 10of FIG. 2, or other suitable implant, and the introducer sheath 20 ofFIG. 3, or other suitable introducer sheath. The apparatus 200 can besimilar in structure, function and method of use to the apparatus 50 ofFIGS. 4-25C, except as further described herein. The depicted apparatus200 comprises a coupler assembly 202 configured to couple the apparatus200 to an introducer sheath, such as the introducer sheath 20 of FIG. 3,and a combined implant storage/introducer unit 204 adapted to store theimplant 10 prior to and during introduction of the implant 10 into theHAS. The storage/introducer unit 204 is adapted to feed the implantthrough the coupler assembly 202, and into the introducer sheath 20 forplacement of the implant 10 in the HAS, when manipulated by thepractitioner.

With additional reference to FIG. 27, where the apparatus 200 isillustrated as exploded, the implant storage/introducer unit 204 of thedepicted embodiment comprises a single casing 206 sized to accommodateboth the implant 10 and an introducer assembly 208, as will be disclosedin further detail below. The casing 206 comprises a right housing shelland 210 a left housing shell 212 adapted for cooperative registry.

Referring to FIG. 28, the right housing shell 210 comprises a curvedside wall 214 joined to an inner wall 216 and an outer wall 218. Thewalls 214, 216, 218 are contoured, and can be configured with openings,bosses, flanges, and the like, for operational support of the elementscomprising the apparatus 200. The right housing shell 210 can be moldedsuch that the openings, bosses, flanges, and the like are integrallyformed with the right housing shell 210. As illustrated, the continuityof the outer wall 218 is interrupted by a first opening 220 and a secondopening 222. The right housing shell 210 further has multiple hollowbosses 224 spaced along the inner and outer walls 216, 218.

A first, inner flange 226 extends from the side wall 214 in spacedrelation to the inner wall 216 and forms a closed loop. A second, middleflange 228 extends mainly from the side wall 214 in spaced relation tothe inner flange 226. The middle flange 228 has a first end 230 and asecond end 232 that do not meet each other; rather, the middle flange228 is formed as a spiral, with the first end 230 being disposed on theside wall 214 and inwardly spaced from the outer wall 218, and themiddle flange 228 gradually spirals outwardly until the second end 232joins the outer wall 218. A third, outer flange 234 extends mainly fromthe side wall 214 and has a first end 239 which meets the outer wall 218adjacent the first opening 220 and a second end 236 which joins with thefirst end 230 of the middle flange 228. The flanges 226, 228, 234cooperatively form a channel 240 in communication with the first opening220, with the channel 240 following a generally spiral-shaped pathdefined by the flanges 226, 228, 234. The channel 240 at least partiallyreceives and/or stores the introducer assembly 208, as will be describedbelow.

The left housing shell 212, shown in FIG. 29, is generally a mirrorimage of the right housing shell 210, and includes some, but not all, ofthe same structural elements of the right housing shell 210.Particularly, as illustrated, the left housing shell 212 preferably doesnot include any flanges or hollow bosses, but does include a curved sidewall 242 joined to an inner wall 244 and an outer wall 246 with firstand second openings 248, 250, respectively, in mirrored-relation tothose corresponding features of the right housing shell 210. The wallsdefine a cavity 252 in which the implant 10 is at least partiallystored, as will be described below. The left housing shell 212 furtherhas multiple projections 254 spaced along the inner and outer walls 244,248 for receipt within the hollow bosses 224 on the right housing shell210. The left housing shell 212 can be molded such that the openings,projections, and the like are integrally formed with the left housingshell 212.

Referring to FIG. 30, when the right and left housing shells 210, 212are assembled, the hollow bosses 224 (FIG. 28) receive the projections254 (FIG. 29) and the inner walls 216, 244 and the outer walls 218, 246meet in cooperative registry to form the casing 206. The first openings220, 248 register to form a single first aperture 256 and the secondopenings 222, 250 register to form a single second aperture 258; thus,in total, the assembled casing 206 can form two apertures.

The assembled casing 206 has a closed-loop portion 260 that is generallyoval in shape except for a saddle-like portion 262 and a coupler portion264 extending generally from one of the junctures between theclosed-loop portion 260 and the saddle-like portion 262. The firstaperture 256 is formed at or near one end of the saddle-like portion 262and the second aperture 258 is formed at the coupler portion 264 (whichcan be at or near the opposite end of the saddle-like portion 262). Thesecond aperture 258 can be generally collinear with the longitudinalaxis of the coupler portion 264. The channel 240 (FIG. 28) that at leastpartially receives and/or stores the introducer assembly 208 and thecavity 252 (FIG. 29) in which the implant 10 is at least partiallystored are both generally formed along and situated within theclosed-loop portion 260 and the saddle-like portion 262.

The casing 206 can be shaped to facilitate comfortable gripping of theimplant storage/introducer unit 204. The implant storage/introducer unit204 can be gripped according to the practitioner's preference, such aswith one hand wrapped around the saddle-like portion 262 or part of theclosed-loop portion 260, although other gripping arrangements ortechniques are possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, which are enlarged views of the regionlabeled “XXXI” in FIG. 26, the depicted coupler assembly 202 thatcouples the apparatus 200 to the introducer sheath 20 is shown. Thecoupler assembly 202 can comprise a distal coupler that can be similaror identical to the distal coupler 82 shown in FIGS. 7-10, and willtherefore not be further described for this embodiment, and likeelements of the distal coupler 82 will be referred to with the samereference numerals. The coupler assembly 202 further comprises aproximal coupler which mates with the distal coupler 82. In the depictedembodiment, the proximal coupler is integrally formed as part of thecasing 206 as the coupler portion 264, and therefore may alternately beconsidered part of the implant storage/introducer unit 204 rather thanthe coupler assembly 202. The coupler portion or proximal coupler 264includes a tubular conduit having a storage portion 266 and a couplingportion 268. As best viewed in the perspective view of FIG. 32, thestorage portion 266 joins the saddle-like portion 262 of the casing 206to thereby connect the cavity 252 in which the implant 10 is at leastpartially stored, and the storage portion 266 of the proximal coupler264. The casing 206 and the proximal coupler 264 do not have to beintegrally molded, and can be joined in any suitable fashion, such as,for example, an interference fit, with an adhesive, a snap fit, etc. Thesecond aperture 258 is formed through a side wall of the storage portion266, and is aligned and can be generally collinear with the longitudinalaxis of the coupling portion 268 and the exit opening 100, and, when thesystem 190 is assembled, the proximal opening 30 of the hub 28 and thelumen 24 of the introducer sheath shaft 22.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, the coupling portion 268 houses an insertthat can be similar or identical to the insert 92 shown in FIGS. 8-9,and will therefore not be further described for this embodiment, andlike elements of the insert 92 will be referred to with the samereference numerals. In this embodiment, the channel 98 and the exitopening 100 of the insert 92 are oriented in axial alignment with thesecond aperture 258. The insert 92 can be secured to the couplingportion 268 in any suitable fashion, such as, for example, aninterference fit, with an adhesive, a snap fit, etc.; alternatively, theinsert 92 or the features of the insert 92 can be integrally formed withthe coupling portion 268. The insert 92 will in turn receive the distalcoupler 82 as described for the apparatus 50 of FIGS. 4-14.

While the proximal coupler 264 has been described as comprising thestorage portion 266 and the coupling portion 268 that houses the insert92, the proximal coupler 264 can alternatively be considered ascomprising only the insert 92, which performs a coupling function, withthe casing 206, which performs a storage function, considered as anextension or part of the implant storage/introducer unit 204.Regardless, the exit opening 100 functions as an exit opening for theimplant storage/introducer unit 204 and the overall apparatus 200 as theimplant 10 exits the implant storage/introducer unit 204 and theapparatus 200 through the exit opening 100. The proximal coupler 264 andthe insert 92 can be constructed in any desired manner with either orboth parts functioning to partially store the implant 10 and/or couplethe apparatus 200 to the introducer sheath 20.

The proximal and distal couplers 264, 82 of the coupler assembly 202 canbe connected together, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, to couple theapparatus 200 to the introducer sheath 20. In the coupled condition, theproximal and distal couplers 264, 82 retain the hub 28 of the introducersheath 20 therebetween, as described above with respect to FIGS. 8-9. Inthe current embodiment, due to the placement of the hub 28 relative tothe proximal and distal couplers 264, 82, the second aperture 258 andthe channel 98 align axially with the proximal opening 34 of the hub 28and, thereby, the lumen 24 at the proximal end of the shaft 22.

Referring back to FIG. 27, the depicted embodiment of the implantstorage/introducer unit 204 of the apparatus 200 comprises theintroducer assembly 208 partially stored within the casing 206 alongwith the implant 10. The introducer assembly 208 includes an introduceror pushrod that can be similar or identical to the pushrod 150 shown inFIGS. 8-9, and will therefore not be further described for thisembodiment, and like elements of the insert 150 will be referred to withthe same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the introducer assembly208 further comprises a tubular housing 270 defining a lumen 272 inwhich the pushrod 150 is partially stored. The length of the housing 270is sufficient to encase the proximal end of the pushrod 150 prior to useof the apparatus 200 for delivery of the implant 10. Further, thehousing 270 can be coiled one or more times within the casing 206 toaccommodate the length of the pushrod 150 and, thereby, maintain arelatively compact configuration for the apparatus 200.

As shown in FIGS. 33-36, the implant 10 and the introducer assembly 208are commonly stored by the casing 206. As shown in FIG. 33 inparticular, in which the implant 10 is not shown for clarity, theintroducer assembly 208 is received in and retained by the right housingshell 210 by placing the housing 270 in the channel 240 created by theflanges 226, 228, 234, with the distal end of the pushrod 150 extendingout of the first aperture 256 and into the second aperture 258. Thepushrod 150 projects from the distal end of the housing 270, through thefirst and second apertures 256, 258, and into the proximal coupler 264,where it terminates at a distal tip region, which can be similar oridentical to the distal tip region 158 shown in FIG. 11, and willtherefore not be further described for this embodiment, and likeelements of the distal tip region 158 will be referred to with the samereference numerals.

The exposed portion 156 of the pushrod 150 between the two apertures256, 258 provides a gripping area for the practitioner to grasp, eithermanually or through the operation of a motorized drive system, or anon-motorized drive system, gear train, or other mechanism that engagesthe pushrod 150, and manipulate the pushrod 150, and can generallyfollow the natural curve created by the closed-loop portion 260 of thecasing 206. The exposed portion 156 generally extends over thesaddle-like portion 262 of the casing 206, and the offset between thepushrod 150 and the saddle-like portion 262 allows the practitioner togrip and apply force to (e.g., push distally or pull proximally) thepushrod 150 at a location close to its distal tip region 158.

As best viewed in the sectional views of FIGS. 35 and 36, the housing270 can be coiled one or more times to extend along the channel 240. Theflanges 226, 228, 234 function as guides and help maintain the housing270 in an orderly coil within the casing 206.

As shown in FIG. 34 in particular, in which a portion of the pushrod 150is shown for clarity, the implant 10 is received in the cavity 252 ofthe left housing shell 212. The implant 10 attaches to the distal tipregion 158 in a manner similar to that described above with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12, and will therefore not be further described for thisembodiment. The implant 10 generally extends back from its point ofattachment to the distal tip region 158 of the pushrod 150, through thestorage portion 266 of the proximal coupler 264, and through the cavity252 for storage in the storage portion 266 and the casing 206, as canfurther be seen in FIG. 34. As a result, the implant 10 extends from thepushrod 150, which is positioned in the proximal coupler 264, along thesaddle-like portion 262, and around the closed-loop portion 260 of thecasing 206.

The components in which the implant 10 is stored, specifically thestorage portion 266, the saddle-like portion 262, and the closed-loopportion 260 (the portions 266, 262, 260) of the casing 206 in thedepicted embodiment, can be sized to accommodate the implant 10. In oneembodiment, the portions 266, 262, 260 have a collective effectivelength (i.e., the length of the storage portion 266 plus the length ofthe saddle-like portion 262 plus the length of the closed-loop portion260, less any overlap between the components) corresponds to the lengthof the implant 10, that is, the distance between the distal and proximalends 16, 18 of the body 12 of the implant 10. In such an embodiment, thebody 12 of the implant 10 extends the collective effective length of theportions 266, 262, 260 with no or minimal bunching or folding of thebody 12. Alternatively, the collective length of the portions 266, 262,260 can be less than the length of the body 12 such that the body 12undergoes some bunching or folding upon itself within the portions 266,262, 260. In yet another embodiment, the collective length of theportions 266, 262, 260 can be greater than the length of the body 12.

Further, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the storage portion266 and the cavity 252 can be sized sufficiently large to accommodatethe implant 10 in its natural or default expanded condition.Alternatively, the storage portion 266 and the cavity 252 can each havea size that effectively compresses the implant 10 from its expandedcondition to a compressed condition, at any appropriate degree ofcompression. As best viewed in the sectional views of FIGS. 35 and 36,the ends of the flanges 226, 228, 234 may help retain the implant 10within the cavity 252.

The pushrod 150 can be manipulated by the practitioner between variouspositions for introducing the implant 10 into a HAS. FIGS. 31 and 32illustrate a retracted or storage position of the pushrod 150; thestorage position corresponds to a position of the pushrod 150 and,thereby, the implant 10 prior to use of the apparatus 200 forintroduction of the implant 10 into the HAS (i.e., during storage). Inthe exemplary storage position of FIGS. 31 and 32, the distal tip region158 of the pushrod 150 resides in the proximal coupler 264, particularlyat the bend between the storage portion 266 and the coupling portion 268of the tubular conduit, and in axial alignment with the channel 98.

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate an exemplary storage position; other storagepositions are possible. In other exemplary storage positions, the distaltip region 158 of the pushrod 150 can be located proximally of thatshown in FIGS. 31 and 32, such as between the second aperture 258 andthe position shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Alternatively, the distal tipregion 158 of the pushrod 150 can be located distally of that shown inFIGS. 31 and 32, such as between the position shown in FIGS. 31 and 32and the exit opening 100 of the proximal coupler 64. As anotheralternative, the pushrod 150 can project beyond the exit opening 100with the implant 10 residing within the casing 206.

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an advancing position of the pushrod 150; theadvancing position corresponds to a position of the pushrod 150 and,thereby, the implant 10 during use of the apparatus 200 for introductionof the implant 10 into the HAS. In the advancing position, the distaltip region 158 of the pushrod 150 is located distally of its locationwhen in the storage position; therefore, any distal movement of thepushrod 150 from the storage position tends to move the pushrod 150 to(or towards) the advancing position. FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate anexemplary advancing position with the implant 10 not shown for clarity.When moving the pushrod 150 from the storage position to the advancingposition, the distal tip region 158 of the pushrod 150 advances throughthe channel 98 and exit opening 100 of the proximal coupler 264 and intothe introducer sheath 20, particularly into the hub proximal opening 34,through the hub 28, including the collar 36, and into the shaft lumen 24of the introducer sheath 20, which is held by the distal coupler 82. Asthe pushrod 150 so advances, the implant 10 is compressed radially andelongated as it is forced through the tapering introducer guide 94 andinto the lumen 24 of the introducer sheath 20. Thus, when advancing, thepushrod 150 and the implant 10 have a common travel direction leavingthe apparatus 200 through the exit opening 100 and entering theintroducer sheath 20 through the proximal opening 34. In the illustratedembodiment, the travel direction is substantially linear, but otherforms of travel direction are possible depending on the configuration ofthe apparatus 200. Other positions of the pushrod 150 will be describedbelow in conjunction with the description of methods of use of thesystem 190.

Embodiments of methods of use of the system 190 are described below.While the system 190 can be employed in conjunction with any suitableHAS, the methods are described with respect to the greater saphenousvein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood that the methodscan be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, for use in otherHASs. The methods can also be modified or adapted, as necessary, for usewith embodiments of the system 190 other than the embodiment employed inthe following description. Aspects of the method of use of the system190 that overlap with the method of use of the system 46, describedabove, will be briefly summarized, but will not be described in detail.In the description of the methods, the various steps are discussed interms of being performed by the practitioner; however, it is understoodthat these steps may be performed by the practitioner manually orthrough the operation of a motorized or non-motorized drive system, geartrain, mechanism, etc.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the system 190, various stagesof which are depicted in FIGS. 39-41, the target HAS (e.g., a vein suchas the greater saphenous vein B) can first be accessed at an access sitethrough the skin and the introducer sheath 20 is advanced to the desiredimplant location as described above for the system 46 with respect toFIGS. 15 and 15A. After advancement of the introducer sheath 20 to thedesired implant location, the apparatus 200 is coupled to the introducersheath 20 by first placing the distal coupler 82 onto the shaft 22 andthereafter attaching the proximal coupler 264 and, thereby, theremainder of the apparatus 200, to the distal coupler 82, as describedabove for FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 39 illustrates the introducer sheath 20 with the apparatus 200coupled thereto. Details of the proximal and distal couplers 264, 82 andthe introducer sheath 20 in the coupled configuration are describedabove and shown in FIGS. 31 and 32. Notably, the proximal coupler exitopening 100 and the introducer sheath proximal opening 34 are alignedwith each other to enable advancement of the pushrod 150 from theapparatus 200, through both openings 100, 34, and into the introducersheath 20, as will be described in more detail below. In the depictedembodiment, the proximal coupler exit opening 100 and the introducersheath proximal opening 34 are directly adjacent one another to effectthe alignment, although other methods of aligning the openings 100, 34are possible.

With the apparatus 200 coupled to the introducer sheath 20, asillustrated in FIG. 39, the apparatus 200 can be easily handled andmanipulated by the practitioner due to various aspects of the apparatus200. One exemplary contributing aspect is the casing 206 that storesboth the implant 10 and the introducer assembly 208. Because the implant10 and the introducer assembly 208 are commonly stored within a singlecasing, the apparatus 200 can be made more compact and may be easier thehandle. Furthermore, because the casing 206 is shaped as a closed loop,and the implant 10 and introducer assembly 208 are at least partiallystored within the closed loop, the apparatus can be made even morecompact in comparison to the embodiment of the apparatus 50 above thatstores the implant in a straight tube 60. Another exemplary contributingaspect is the saddle-like portion 262 of the casing 206. The offsetbetween the exposed portion 156 of the pushrod 150 and the saddle-likeportion 262 allows the practitioner to grip the pushrod 150 closer toits distal tip region 158 where the pushrod is coupled to the implant10.

The apparatus 200 in this state is ready for introduction of the implant10 into the vein B. The practitioner grasps the exposed portion 156 ofthe pushrod 150 and moves the pushrod 150 distally from the storageposition (see FIGS. 31 and 32) to and distal of the advancing position(see FIGS. 37 and 38) by applying a proximal force to the pushrod, asillustrated by the arrow L in FIG. 37, thereby advancing the pushrod 150and the implant 10 through the coupler assembly 202. In particular, asdepicted in FIGS. 37 and 38, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 (notshown for clarity) move distally through the channel 98 and the exitorifice 100 of the proximal coupler 264 to enter the introducer sheath20 at the proximal opening 34. The introducer guide 94 directs thepushrod 150 toward the channel 98 if the pushrod 150 diverges from axialalignment with the channel 98 prior to entering the channel 98. Afterentering the proximal opening 34, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10continue their advancement through the hub 28 and into the lumen 24 ofthe shaft 22.

As the pushrod 150 advances the implant 10 through the proximal coupler264, the body 12 of the implant 10 changes conditions from its expandedcondition to a compressed condition as a result of the relatively smallcross-sectional diameter of the channel 98 and exit opening 100; thechannel 98 effectively forces the implant body 12 to compress in orderto pass therethrough. The introducer guide 94 also facilitates thecompression of the implant body 12 as it approaches the channel 98 bygradually reducing the cross-sectional diameter of the implant body 12.Lengthening of the implant body 12 can accompany the compression.Because the proximal opening 34, the hub 28, and the shaft lumen 24 ofthe introducer sheath 20 preferably have a cross-sectional diameterabout equal to that of the channel 98 and the exit opening 100, theimplant body 12 retains substantially in the same compressed conditionas it moves through the introducer sheath 20.

The pushrod 150 and the implant 10 cease advancement when reaching thedesired implant location, which is just below the sapheno-femoraljunction H, as illustrated in FIG. 18. After the pushrod 150 and theimplant 10 are advanced to the desired implant location, thepractitioner disconnects the proximal coupler 264 from the distalcoupler 82 and pulls the implant storage/introducer unit 204 and theproximal coupler 264 proximally away from the introducer sheath 20 by asuitable distance, as illustrated in FIG. 40. During the decoupling ofthe coupler assembly 202 and retraction of the implantstorage/introducer unit 204, the pushrod 150 and the implant 10 remainin the position shown in FIG. 18 in the vein B; thus, the housing 270moves proximally along the pushrod 150, thereby exposing a greaterlength of the pushrod 150. The distance between the introducer sheath 20and the implant storage/introducer unit 204 shown in FIG. 40 can beselected to expose a predetermined length of the implant 10 between theintroducer sheath 20 and the implant storage/introducer unit 204. In oneembodiment, the practitioner pulls the implant storage/introducer unit204 and the proximal coupler to expose about 10-50 cm of the implant 10.The practitioner then trims the implant body 12 and the tether 14 at theexposed portion. After trimming the implant 10, the practitionercontinues to pull the implant storage/introducer unit 204 and theproximal coupler 264 proximally away from the introducer sheath 20 tofully uncoil and expose the pushrod 150 and separate the pushrod 150 andthe implant 10 from the remainder of the apparatus 200. FIG. 41illustrates the introducer sheath 20, the pushrod 150, and the implant10 in the leg A after removal of the implant storage/introducer unit204.

The remaining steps in the method of use of the system 190 are similarto the final steps of the method of use of the system 46. Removal of theintroducer sheath 20 follows removal of the implant storage/introducerunit 204, described for and illustrated in FIG. 21 which illustrates thepushrod 150 and the implant 10 in the greater saphenous vein B afterremoval of the introducer sheath 20. With the pushrod 150 and theimplant 10 in the vein B, the practitioner releases the implant 10 fromthe pushrod 150, as described for and illustrated in FIG. 22, whichillustrates the implant 10 released from between the wire 168 and thepushrod 150. The practitioner follows release of the implant 10 withretraction of the pushrod 150 from the vein B, as described for andillustrated in FIG. 23 which illustrates the implant 10 in the greatersaphenous vein B after removal of the pushrod 150. The practitioner canoptionally secure the implant 10 to the leg A following removal of thepushrod 150 described for and illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 24A.

During the storage and introduction of the implant 10, the implant body12 assumes multiple conditions with respect to the expansion andcompression of the implant body 12. The implant body 12 in theillustrated embodiment assumes an expanded condition when in the implantstorage/introducer unit 204 of the apparatus 200 during storage (i.e., astorage condition), as best seen in FIGS. 35 and 36. A first compressedcondition when in the shaft 22 of the introducer sheath 20 duringintroduction (i.e., an introduction condition) is shown in FIG. 25B,and, assuming the HAS has a differing cross-sectional diameter than theshaft 22, a second compressed condition when in the HAS, shown as thegreater saphenous vein B for illustrative purposes, after implantation(i.e., an implantation condition), as shown in FIG. 25C. The implantbody 12 also undergoes transitional conditions when converting betweenthe storage, introduction, and implantation conditions. These conditionsare imposed on the implant body 12 because of the cross-sectionaldiameter of the structure that houses the implant body 12; once thehousing structure cross-sectional diameter is sufficient to causecompression of the implant body 12, compression of the implant body 12increases as the housing structure cross-sectional diameter decreases.The housing structures corresponding to the storage, introduction, andimplantation conditions of the illustrated embodiment are, respectively,the cavity 252 of the implant storage/introducer unit 204, the shaft 22of the introducer sheath 20, and the HAS, in this case, the greatersaphenous vein B.

The order of the steps described above for the method of use of thesystem 190 can be performed in any desired and suitable order and arenot intended to be limited to the order the steps are described above.For example, the retraction of the pushrod 150 and the introducer sheath20 can occur in any desired order, i.e., the pushrod 150 first, theintroducer sheath 20 first, or the pushrod 150 and introducer sheath 20simultaneously.

The method can be used with the illustrated apparatus 200, otherembodiments of the illustrated apparatus 200, or other types ofapparatuses for storage and/or introduction of the implant 10 or othersuitable implant. Similarly, the apparatus 200 can be employed with theillustrated implant 10, other embodiments of the illustrated implant 10,or other types of occluding implants. The case is the same with respectto the use of the introducer sheath 20 with the apparatus 200.

The apparatus 200 can be provided as a ready-to-use kit having theimplant 10 disposed in the implant storage/introducer unit 204 andconnected to the pushrod 150 such that the apparatus 200 can be removedfrom its packaging for immediate surgical use. In one embodiment, thekit includes only the apparatus 200; alternatively, the kit canoptionally include the introducer sheath 20 such that the entire system190 is provided as a ready-to-use kit. In one embodiment, the apparatus200 can be a single use device that is disposed after surgical use.Alternatively, the apparatus 200 can be a multiple use device that canbe sterilized and provided with a new implant 10 and, if necessary, anew pushrod 150 having a new wire 168, for each surgical use.

One problem that has been observed with some occluding implants, such asimplant 10 of FIG. 2, is blood leakage around or through the implantnear the sapheno-femoral junction H (see FIG. 1). This may be a resultof the blood flow at the sapheno-femoral junction H pushing the implantto one side of the vein and allowing blood to flow past the implant,and/or from insufficient bulk or packing density of the implant, whichcan allow blood to flow between the fibers of the implant itself. Bloodleakage may be prevented or at least reduced by using the manipulationtechnique of withdrawing the pushrod 150 after placement in the vein Bbut prior to releasing the implant 10, as described above with respectto FIGS. 21 and 22, to shorten the implant, increase the packing densityof implant material, radially expand the implant, and/or increase theradially outward force exerted by the implant body on the inner wall ofthe HAS or vein near the sapheno-femoral junction H while reducinglongitudinal tension in the portion of the implant positioned in thesaphenous vein.

FIGS. 42-57 illustrate alternate embodiments of implants that caneffectively prevent or at least reduce the potential for blood leakagearound or through the implant without requiring manipulation of apushrod. Rather, the implants can be augmented to locally bulk theimplant, shorten the implant, increase the packing density of implantmaterial, radially expand the implant, and/or increase the radiallyoutward force exerted by the implant body on the inner wall of the HASor vein near the sapheno-femoral junction H.

FIG. 42 illustrates one embodiment of an implant 300 for occlusion of ahollow anatomic structure that can effectively prevent or at leastreduce the potential for blood leakage around or through an implantwithout requiring manipulation of a pushrod. The implant 300 can beemployed in place of implant 10 of FIG. 2 in the system 45 of FIG. 4,the system 190 of FIG. 26, or any other suitable system. The implant 300can be similar in structure, function, and method of use to the implant10, except as further described herein. The depicted implant 300comprises a bioresorbable body 302. The body 302 can comprise abioresorbable material in fibrous form that can be similar or identicalto the material and construction of the body 12 of implant 10, and willtherefore not be further described for this embodiment. For example, asshown in the illustrated embodiment, the body 302 can naturally assumean expanded condition and convert to a compressed condition uponapplication of a compressive force or upon placement in a confined spacesuch as a blood vessel lumen. Alternatively, the body 302 can naturallyassume a compressed condition and convert to an expanded condition uponapplication of an expansive force.

The implant 300 further includes a tether 304 coupled to the body 302.As one example, the body 302 can be generally elongated with a distalend 306 and a proximal end 308, the distance between the distal end 306and the proximal end 308 (i.e., the length of the body 302) optionallybeing greater than the cross-sectional diameter of the body 302, and thetether 304 is coupled near or to the distal end 306 of the body 302. Thetether 304 can be coupled to the body 302 in any suitable manner,examples of which include tying or stitching the tether 304 to the body302, employing a coupling agent, such as a bioresorbable ornon-bioresorbable adhesive, and making the tether 304 integral with thebody 302. In the embodiment of FIG. 42, the tether 304 is coupled to thebody 302 by tying the tether 304 around the body 302 near a center ofthe length of the body 302, and the body 302 is bent or turned where thetether 304 is coupled to the body 302 such that the body 302 is foldedupon itself. As a result of this configuration, the coupling location ofthe tether 304, or the tie point 310, generally forms the distal end 306of the body 302, and the free ends of the body 302 folded upon eachother form the proximal end 308 of the body 302. The tether 304 can haveany suitable length relative to the length of the body 302. For example,the length of the tether 304 can be greater than, equal to, or less thanthat of the body 302. The material and construction of tether 304 can besimilar or identical to the material and construction of the tether 14of implant 10, and will therefore not be further described for thisembodiment.

The implant 300 can further include force application points coupled tothe body 302 and interacting with the tether 304 to apply force to thebody 302 when force is applied to the tether 304. One example of a forceapplication point is a band coupled to and encircling the body 302. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 42, the implant 300 includes multiple spacedbands in the form of a distal tack 312 and a proximal tack 314 coupledto the body 302. The tacks 312, 314 can be coupled to the body 302 inany suitable manner, examples of which include tying or stitching thetacks 312, 314 to the body 302, employing a coupling agent, such as abioresorbable or non-bioresorbable adhesive, and making the tacks 312,314 integral with the body 302. In the embodiment of FIG. 42, the tacks312, 314 are coupled to the body 302 by tying; both tacks 312, 314 aretied around the body 302 near the distal end 306, with the distal tack312 being closer to the distal end 306 than the proximal tack 314.

Each tack 312, 314 can be bioresorbable and made of the same material asthe body 302 or of a material different than that of the body 302.Alternatively, the tacks 312, 314 can be non-bioresorbable. Further, thetacks 312, 314 can be inelastic or elastic. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 42, the tacks 312, 314 comprise a loop or ring ofbioresorbable thread tied around the body 302. Each tack 312, 314 can belooped around the body 302 one or more times. Preferably, the tacks 312,314 are fixed and immovable relative to the fibers of the implant body302. In other words, the tacks 312, 314 preferably cannot “slip” orslide along the fibers of the body 302 when forces are applied to thetacks 312, 314. However, as discussed in further detail below, the tacks312, 314 preferably can move relative to each other or relative to thedistal end 306 as the body 302 compresses (or bunches) longitudinally,or elongates.

The pushrod 150 can facilitate the bulking/augmentation of the implant300 by holding the distal tack 312 via the wire 168. As illustrated, thedistal tack 312 can encircle the pushrod 150 beneath the wire 168 suchthat the implant retaining portion 170 (FIG. 11) attaches the distaltack 312 to the pushrod 150. Alternatively, the distal tack 312 canencircle just the wire 168 for a similar effect. In eitherconfiguration, detachment of the wire 168 from the distal plug 166 andits subsequent retraction through openings 160, 162 (see FIG. 11) isuninhibited by the distal tack 312.

In the embodiment of FIG. 42, the portion of the tether 304 extendingfrom the tie point 310 sequentially extends generally proximally fromthe tie point 310, through the proximal tack 314, thus reversingdirection and extending generally distally back toward the distal end306, through the distal tack 312, reversing direction once again andextending generally proximally from the distal tack 312 along the body302. As a result of this configuration, the tether 304 forms a loop 316that is adjustably-sized. Applying a proximal force to the tether 304,such as by pulling the tether 304, reduces the size of the loop 316 andmoves the tacks 312, 314 toward each other.

The tacks 312, 314 and loop 316 create an augmentation zone 318, whichis an area of the body 302 generally between the tacks 312, 314 that canselectively be augmented in order to locally increase the radial sizeand/or material density of the body 302, or shorten the implant,increase the packing density of implant material, radially expand theimplant, or increase the radially outward force exerted by the implantbody on the inner wall of the HAS or vein in the zone 318. Theaugmentation zone 318 is selectively configurable in an unaugmentedconfiguration, shown in FIG. 42, and an augmented configuration, shownin FIG. 43. In the unaugmented configuration, the augmentation zone 318can have dimensions (e.g. radial size) and/or material density generallysimilar to the rest of the body 302. In the augmented configuration, theaugmentation zone 318 can have increased cross-sectional area and/ormaterial density, while exerting a larger radially outward force againstthe inner walls of the HAS in comparison with the rest of the body 302.In the example shown in FIG. 43, the body 302 in the augmentation zone318 has both increased cross-sectional area and density in the augmentedconfiguration. The distance between the distal tack 312 and the proximaltack 314 can directly relate to the degree of localized augmentationpossible for the implant 300. A smaller distance between the tacks 312,314 results in less localized augmentation, while a greater distancebetween the tacks 312, 314 results in more localized augmentation.

The tether 304 acts as an actuator for the augmentation zone 318 and canbe used to selectively configure the augmentation zone 318 in theaugmented configuration. Specifically, pulling the tether 304 proximallyreduces the size of the loop 316, which causes the proximal tack 314 tomove relative to the distal tack 312 such that the distance between thetacks 312, 314 is reduced. This causes the body 302 to locally “bulk up”by increasing in cross-sectional area and/or density of the body 302 inthe augmentation zone 318, as illustrated in FIG. 43. Pulling the tether304 can cause the proximal tack 314 to move distally, while the distaltack 312 stays relatively stationary due to its coupling with thepushrod 150. Alternately, if the distal tack 312 is not coupled with thepushrod 150, pulling the tether 304 can cause the distal tack 312 tomove proximally, while the proximal tack 314 stays relativelystationary. In many cases, the former may be preferred, since thelocalized bulking or augmentation of the body 302 can be maintainedcloser to the sapheno-femoral junction H.

The pushrod 150 can further facilitate the bulking/augmentation of theimplant 300 by holding the distal portion or end 306 of the implant 300,in addition to or instead of holding the distal tack 312, via the wire168. The pushrod 150 and wire 168 thus prevent proximal movement of thedistal portion or end 306 of the implant 300 as the tether 304 is pulledproximally. Thus, rather than simply moving the entire implant 300proximally, the proximal pulling of the tether 304 takes up the “slack”in the tether forming the loop 316, resulting in augmentation of thebody 302.

In various embodiments, the practitioner can grip the pushrod 150 (e.g.,a portion proximal of the zone 318), to prevent proximal movement of thepushrod 150 and implant 300, while pulling the tether 304 proximally.Alternatively, the practitioner can push the pushrod 150 slightly in thedistal direction while pulling the tether 304, or rely on non-manualmeans such as a clamp, or the inertia of and friction in the deliverysystem (e.g. the system 46/190), to prevent proximal movement of theimplant 300 and pushrod 150 while pulling the tether 304 proximally toaugment the implant 300. Alternatively, instead of being manuallygripped by the practitioner, any of the above can be accomplished by amotorized or non-motorized drive system, gear train, mechanism, etc.that grips or engages the pushrod 150 and is operated by thepractitioner.

One embodiment of a method of using of the implant 300 is describedbelow. While the implant 300 can be employed in conjunction with anysuitable HAS, the methods are described with respect to the greatersaphenous vein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood thatthe methods can be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, foruse in other HASs. It will also be understood that while the implant 300is described for use with the system 46, the methods can also bemodified or adapted, as necessary, for use with embodiments of thesystem 46 other than the embodiment employed in the followingdescription. Aspects of the method of use of the implant 300 thatoverlap with the method of use of the implant 10, described above, willbe briefly summarized, but will not be described in detail. Generally,the method of use of the implant 300 can be similar to the use of theimplant 10, except as further described herein. In the description ofthe method, the various steps are discussed in terms of being performedby the practitioner; however, it is understood that these steps may beperformed by the practitioner manually or through the operation of amotorized or non-motorized drive system, etc.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the implant 300, the variousstages of the method proceed as depicted for implant 10 as shown inFIGS. 15-22. Release of the implant 300 from the pushrod 150 proceedsgenerally as described above for implant 10 with respect to FIGS. 21 and22, with the added step that the pushrod 150 slides through and out ofthe distal tack 312 as it is withdrawn. The distal tack 312 can encirclethe pushrod 150 with sufficient clearance to allow the pushrod 150 toslide out of the distal tack 312 as it is retracted from the vein B.

FIG. 44 illustrates the implant 300 in the greater saphenous vein Bbefore release of the implant 300 and removal of the pushrod 150 fromthe vein B. Initially, the augmentation zone 318 is in the unaugmentedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 44. The practitioner then applies aproximal force to the tether 304, such as by pulling on the proximal endof the tether 304, thereby reducing the size of the loop 316 and movingthe distal and proximal tacks 312, 314 relative to each other such thatthe distance between the tacks 312, 314 is reduced. The pushrod 150 andwire 168, assisted by any force applied thereto or anchoring of aproximal portion of the pushrod, prevent proximal movement of theimplant 10 as the proximal force 314 is applied to the tether 304. Thepulling and loop-reduction action places the augmentation zone 318 inthe augmented configuration, as shown in FIG. 45. With the augmentationzone 318 in the augmented configuration as shown in FIG. 45, the implant300 prevents or at least reduces the potential for blood leakage aroundor through the implant 300 by locally bulking or augmenting the body 302(e.g., radially expanding the body, increasing the density of materialin the body, and/or increasing the radially outward force exerted by thebody on the inner wall of the HAS or vein) within the vein B near thesapheno-femoral junction H. The practitioner can then optionally securethe implant 300 to the leg A, as described above with respect to FIGS.24 and 24A.

FIG. 46 depicts another embodiment of an implant 300 which can besimilar in structure, function and method of use to the implant 300 ofFIGS. 42-45, except as further described herein. As illustrated, theproximal tack 314 encircles the pushrod 150 as well as the body 302.Therefore, the proximal tack 314 can cooperate with the distal tack 312to hold the body 302 against the pushrod 150. Detachment of the wire 168from the distal plug 166 and its subsequent retraction through openings160, 162 (see FIG. 11) is uninhibited by the tacks 312, 314. Release ofthe implant 300 from the pushrod 150 proceeds generally as describedabove for implant 10 with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22, with the addedstep that the pushrod 150 slides through and out of the tacks 312, 314as it is withdrawn. The tacks 312, 314 can encircle the pushrod 150 withsufficient clearance to allow the pushrod 150 to slide out of the tacks312, 314 as it is retracted from the vein B.

The augmentation zone 318 can be actuated before the release of theimplant 300 from the pushrod 150, as shown in FIG. 47, thereby placingthe augmentation zone 318 in the augmented configuration. Applying aproximal force to the tether 304, such as by pulling, reduces the sizeof the loop 316, which causes the tacks 312, 314 to move relative toeach other such that the distance between the tacks 312, 314 is reduced.At this time, the proximal tack 314 will also move relative to thepushrod 150, such as by sliding along the pushrod 150. Otherwise, theprocess can proceed generally as described above for the embodimentshown in FIGS. 42-45.

FIG. 48 depicts another embodiment of an implant 300 which can besimilar in structure, function and method of use to the implant 300 ofFIGS. 42-45, except as further described herein. The implant 300includes at least one intermediate tack between the distal and proximaltacks 312, 314. As illustrated, implant 300 includes a firstintermediate tack 320 and a second intermediate tack 322, with thesecond intermediate tack 322 adjacent to and spaced proximally from thedistal tack 312, the first intermediate tack 320 adjacent to and spacedproximally from the second intermediate tack 322, and the proximal tack314 adjacent to and spaced proximally from the first intermediate tack320.

In this embodiment, the distal end 306 is at or near the couplinglocation of the distal tack 312 rather than the tie point of the tether304. The distal tack 312 is coupled to the body 302 near a center of thelength of the body 302, and the body 302 is bent or turned where thedistal tack 312 is coupled to the body 302 such that the body 302 isfolded upon itself. As a result of this configuration, the couplinglocation of the distal tack 312 forms the distal end 306 of the body302, and the free ends of the body 302 folded upon each other form theproximal end 308 of the body 302.

The tether 304 is coupled to the proximal tack 314 at a tie point 324and looped through the remaining tacks 312, 320, 322 to create threedistinct augmentation zones; a first augmentation zone 326 generallybetween the proximal tack 314 and the first intermediate tack 320, asecond augmentation zone 328 generally between the first and secondintermediate tacks 320, 322, and a third augmentation zone 330 generallybetween the second intermediate tack 322 and the distal tack 312. Theportion of the tether 304 extending from the tie point 324 extendsgenerally distally from the proximal tack 314, sequentially through thefirst intermediate tack 320, the second intermediate tack 322, and thedistal tack 312, and then generally proximally from the distal tack 312along the body 302. As a result of this configuration, the tether 304does not form a loop, but rather has an adjustable length between thetie point 324 and the distal tack 312. Applying a proximal force to thetether 304, such as by pulling the tether 304, reduces the length of thetether between the tie point 342 and the distal tack 312.

Each augmentation zone 326, 328, 330 is configurable in an unaugmentedconfiguration, shown in FIG. 48, and an augmented configuration, shownvariously in FIGS. 49-51. The tether 304 acts as an actuator for allthree augmentation zones. As illustrated in FIG. 49, pulling the tether304 initially causes at least the proximal tack 314 and the firstintermediate tack 320 to move relative to each other; for example, theproximal tack 314 can be pulled distally toward the first intermediatetack 320. This action places the first augmentation zone 326 in theaugmented configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 50, continued pulling ofthe tether 304 causes at least the first and second intermediate tacks320, 322 to move relative to each other; for example, the firstintermediate tack 320 can be pulled distally toward the secondintermediate tack 322. This action places the second augmentation zone328 in the augmented configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 51, continuedpulling of the tether 304 causes at least the second intermediate tack322 and distal tack 312 to move relative to each other; for example, thesecond intermediate tack 322 can be pulled distally toward the distaltack 312. This action places the third augmentation zone 330 in theaugmented configuration.

While the drawings show the sequential actuation of the augmentationzones 326, 328, 330, it will be understood from the drawings and thedescription that there may be some overlap between the actuation of theaugmentation zones, and that the augmentation zones may be actuatedgenerally simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, less than all ofthe augmentation zones can be actuated by exerting less pulling actionon the tether 304. For example by only pulling the tether 304 a shortdistance, the first augmentation zone 326 may be actuated, but not thesecond or third augmentation zones 328, 330. Further, while threeaugmentation zones are illustrated in the drawings, any number of zonescan be provided by including additional tacks on the body 302 andfollowing the tethering pattern shown in the figures.

In addition to the embodiment having multiple augmentation zones shownin FIGS. 48-51, the arrangement depicted (wherein the tether 304 isfixed to the proximal tack 314, extends distally and passes through thedistal tack 312 coupled to the distal end of the implant body 302 beforeextending proximally along the body 302) can be employed in an implant300 having a single augmentation zone, between the distal and proximaltacks 312, 314.

The use of multiple augmentation zones, as seen in FIGS. 48-57,advantageously facilitates the formation of an augmented region of theimplant which is greater in overall length than in a single-zoneimplant, while controlling the radial expansion of the implant and theshape of the augmentation zone when expanded. Instead of a relativelyshort zone of very wide radial expansion, a relatively long zone ofmoderate radial expansion can be formed.

FIG. 52 depicts another embodiment of an implant 300 which can besimilar in structure, function and method of use to the implants 300 ofFIGS. 42-51, except as further described herein. The implant 300includes at least one intermediate tack between the distal and proximaltacks 312, 314. As illustrated, implant 300 includes a singleintermediate tack 336 between and spaced from the distal and proximaltacks 312, 314. Further, all of the tacks 312, 314, 336 are coupled tothe pushrod 150 as well as the body 302, as described above withreference to FIG. 46.

The tether 304 is coupled to the body 302 at the distal tie point 310and is looped through the tacks 312, 314, 336 to create two augmentationzones; a first augmentation zone 338 generally between the proximal tack314 and the intermediate tack 336, and a second augmentation zone 340generally between the intermediate tack 336 and the distal tack 312. Theportion of the tether 304 extending from the tie point 310 sequentiallyextends generally proximally from the tie point 310, through theproximal tack 314, through the intermediate tack 336, through the distaltack 312, and generally proximally from the distal tack 312 along thebody 302. As a result of this configuration, the tether 304 forms loop316.

Each augmentation zone 338, 340 is configurable in an unaugmentedconfiguration, shown in FIG. 52, and an augmented configuration, shownvariously in FIGS. 53 and 54. The tether 304 acts as an actuator forboth augmentation zones. As illustrated in FIG. 53, pulling the tether304 initially begins to reduce the size of the loop 316, which causes atleast the proximal tack 314 and the intermediate tack 336 to moverelative to each other; for example, the proximal tack 314 can be pulleddistally toward the intermediate tack 336. This action places the firstaugmentation zone 338 in the augmented configuration. At this time, atleast one of the tacks 314, 336 will also move relative to the pushrod150, such as by sliding along the pushrod 150. As illustrated in FIG.54, continued pulling of the tether 304 further reduces the size of theloop, which causes at least the intermediate tack 336 and the distaltack 312 to move relative to each other; for example, the intermediatetack 336 can be pulled distally toward the distal tack 312. This actionplaces the second augmentation zone 340 in the augmented configuration.At this time, the intermediate tack 336 will also move relative to thepushrod 150, such as by sliding along the pushrod 150.

While the drawings show the sequential actuation of the first and secondaugmentation zones 338, 340, it will be understood from the drawings andthe description that there may be some overlap between the actuation ofthe augmentation zones, and that the augmentation zones may be actuatedgenerally simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, less than all ofthe augmentation zones can be actuated by exerting less pulling actionon the tether 304. For example by only pulling the tether 304 a shortdistance, the first augmentation zone 338 may be actuated, but not thesecond augmentation zone 340. Further, while two augmentation zones areillustrated in the drawings, any number of zones can be provided byincluding additional tacks on the body 302 and following the tetheringpattern shown in the figures.

FIG. 55 depicts another embodiment of an implant 300 which can besimilar in structure, function and method of use to the implants 300 ofFIGS. 42-54, except as further described herein. The implant 300includes multiple tethers coupled to the body 302. As illustrated, theimplant 300 includes two tethers 304, 342, each of which is coupled tothe body 302 at the distal tie point 310. In FIGS. 55-57, the firsttether 304 is drawn in solid line, while the second tether 342 is drawnin dotted line to help distinguish it from the first tether 304;however, the tethers 304, 342 can have the same structure and be madefrom the same material.

The tethers 304, 342 are looped through the tacks 312, 314, 336 tocreate the two augmentation zones 338, 340. The portion of the firsttether 304 extending from the tie point 310 sequentially extendsgenerally proximally from the tie point 310, through the proximal tack314, generally distally back toward the distal end 306, through thedistal tack 312, and generally proximally from the distal tack 312 alongthe body 302. As a result of this configuration, the first tether 304forms a first loop 316 that is adjustably-sized. The portion of thesecond tether 342 extending from the tie point 310 sequentially extendsgenerally proximally from the tie point 310, through the intermediatetack 336, generally distally back toward the distal end 306, through thedistal tack 312, and generally proximally from the distal tack 312 alongthe body 302. As a result of this configuration, the second tether 342forms a second loop 344 that is adjustably-sized. Pulling proximally oneither tether 304, 342 reduces the size of the respective loop 316, 344.

The tethers 304, 342 act as actuators for their respective augmentationzones 338, 340, which can be actuated independently of each other withthe illustrated embodiment of the implant 300. As illustrated in FIG.56, pulling the first tether 304 reduces the size of the first loop 316,which causes the proximal tack 314 and the intermediate tack 336 to moverelative to each other; for example, the proximal tack 314 can be pulleddistally toward the intermediate tack 336. This action places the firstaugmentation zone 338 in the augmented configuration. At this time, atleast one of the tacks 314, 336 will also move relative to the pushrod150, such as by sliding along the pushrod 150. As illustrated in FIG.57, pulling the second tether 342 reduces the size of the second loop344, which causes the intermediate tack 336 and the distal tack 312 tomove relative to each other; for example, the intermediate tack 336 canbe pulled distally toward the distal tack 312. This action places thesecond augmentation zone 340 in the augmented configuration. At thistime, the intermediate tack 336 will also move relative to the pushrod150, such as by sliding along the pushrod 150.

While the drawings show the independent, sequential actuation of thefirst and second augmentation zones 338, 340, it will be understood fromthe drawings and the description that the zones can be actuated in anysequence, or that the zones may be actuated generally simultaneouslywith each other by pulling the tethers 304, 342 at the same time.Further, while two augmentation zones are illustrated in the drawings,any number of zones can be provided by including additional tacks andtethers on the body 302 following the tethering pattern shown in thefigures.

FIGS. 58-61 illustrate another embodiment of an introducer or pushrod350 for introducing an implant, such as implant 10 or implant 300, intoa hollow anatomic structure. FIG. 58 is an enlarged sectional view ofthe proximal end of the pushrod 350. The pushrod 350 can be employed inplace of pushrod 150 of FIG. 11 in the system 45 of FIG. 4, the system190 of FIG. 26, or any other suitable system. The pushrod 350 can besimilar in structure, function, and method of use to the pushrod 150,except as further described herein.

The pushrod 350 terminates at a distal tip region 352, which includes asingle opening 354 that provides access to an internal lumen 356 thatterminates at a distal plug 358. A wire 360 resides within the lumen 356except for an implant retaining portion 362 located externally of thelumen 356 adjacent the opening 354. The wire 360 exits and enters thelumen 356 through the opening 354 to form the implant retaining portion362.

The opening 354 is made by forming a cut in the side wall of the pushrod350, and includes a distal end 364 and a proximal end 366. When viewedfrom the side, as shown in FIG. 58, the side profile of the opening 354gradually rises toward the proximal and distal ends 364, 366 such thatboth ends 364, 366 are nearly flush with the side wall of the pushrod350, and the pushrod 350 has its full sidewall thickness at either end364, 366 of the opening 354. The opening 354 can further have anelliptical profile at both ends 364, 366; or, alternatively each end canhave a “wedge” profile wherein the adjacent upper edge of the pushrodsidewall is straight but angled with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe pushrod, giving the opening 354 a shallow or flat-bottomed “V”configuration when viewed from the side as in FIG. 58. Furthermore, theedges of the opening 354 can be deburred during manufacture of thepushrod 350 so that they are relatively smooth, with no rough or sharpcorners. These features of the opening 354—flush ends, gently sloping(e.g. elliptical or double-wedge) profile, and deburred edges—reduce thepossibility of snagging a portion of the implant on the pushrod 350 whenwithdrawing the pushrod 350 from the vein or other HAS.

The above-described profiles for the opening 354 provide a gentlysloping and gradual transition from the deep central portion of theopening 354 to the shallow or flush distal or proximal end of theopening. This reduces the tendency of the pushrod to snag the implantafter the wire 360 has been retracted to release the implant. As thepushrod is withdrawn, the sloping sidewall edge adjacent the opening 354gently urges the implant material to the side of the pushrod, allowingthe pushrod to pass in the proximal direction without snagging theimplant at the distal end of the opening 354 and inadvertently pullingthe implant in the proximal direction.

With reference to FIG. 60, which illustrates the distal end of thepushrod 350 and the implant 10 within the greater saphenous vein B, theimplant retaining portion 362 attaches the implant 10 to the pushrod 350for cooperative movement during advancement of the pushrod 350. In theillustrated embodiment, the implant 10 attaches to the implant retainingportion 362 at the distal end 16 of the body 12 at or near where thetether 14 connects to the body 12. In particular, the distal end 16 isheld between the implant retaining portion 362 of the wire 360 and theportion of the pushrod 350 defining the opening 354. In thisconfiguration, the tether 14 and about half of the length of the body 12are located on one side of the wire 360 and the other half of the lengthof the body 12 are located on the opposite side of the wire 360. Thebody 12 wraps around the wire 360 such that the free ends of the body 12are folded upon each other form the proximal end 18 of the body 12, asdescribed above. The implant retaining portion 362 thus forms a closednoose or snare around the implant 10 that permits the implant 10 to beretained whether the pushrod 350 is pushed distally or pulledproximally. This in turn facilitates use of the pushrod 350 either topush the implant 10 distally, or pull the implant 10 proximally, evenwhen the implant is in a tightly confined space such as an HAS lumen ora sheath lumen. “Pull” functionality can be useful to longitudinallycompress, radially expand, increase the density of, and increase theradial outward force applied by, the implant by slightly retracting thepushrod after insertion of the implant, as discussed above. The implantretaining portion 362 can further be configured to hold the implant 10against the portion of the pushrod 350 adjacent the opening 354 tightlyenough to prevent shifting of the implant 10. The above-describedattachment of the implant 10 and the pushrod 350 provides an exemplarymanner of attachment; the implant 10 and the pushrod 350 can be joinedin any suitable manner and are not limited to that described above andshown in the figures.

One embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 350 is described below.While the pushrod 350 can be employed in conjunction with any suitableHAS, the methods are described with respect to the greater saphenousvein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood that the methodscan be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, for use in otherHASs. It will also be understood that while the pushrod 350 is describedfor use with the system 46, the methods can also be modified or adapted,as necessary, for use with embodiments of the system 46 other than theembodiment employed in the following description. Aspects of the methodof use of the pushrod 350 that overlap with the method of use of thepushrod 150, described above, will be briefly summarized, but will notbe described in detail. Generally, the method of use of the pushrod 350can be similar to the use of pushrod 150, except as further describedherein. In the description of the method, the various steps arediscussed in terms of being performed by the practitioner; however, itis understood that these steps may be performed by the practitionermanually or through the operation of a motorized or non-motorized drivesystem, etc.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 350, the variousstages of the method can proceed as depicted for implant 10 as shown inFIGS. 15-20. FIG. 60 illustrates the pushrod 350 and implant 10 in thegreater saphenous vein B after removal of the introducer sheath 20 fromthe vein B. The practitioner applies a proximal force to the wire 360,such as by pulling on the proximal end of the wire 360, therebydetaching the wire 360 from the distal plug 358. Continued applicationof the proximal force retracts the wire 360 through the opening 354 andreleases the implant 10 from between the wire 360 and the pushrod 350,as illustrated in FIG. 61. The wire 360 can be retracted any desireddistance corresponding to releasing the implant 10 from the pushrod 350.For example, the wire 360 need not be retracted past the proximal end366 of the opening 354 if pulling the wire 360 only partly back from thedistal end 364 of the opening 354 effects release of the implant 10.Retraction of the wire 360 removes the implant retaining portion 362from the implant 10 and gives the pushrod 350 a lower profile forwithdrawal since the wire 360 is contained within the circumferentialprofile of the pushrod 350. In other words, the pushrod 350 takes on awithdrawal profile upon retraction of the wire 360 into the pushrodlumen as seen in FIG. 61. The pushrod 350 (and the pushrods 150, 370,390) advantageously achieves a withdrawal profile along its entireworking length (the portion that enters, or is configured to enter, thesheath or HAS during use) which is no larger that the outercircumference (or other outer perimeter) of the pushrod sidewalls whenviewed in cross-section (taken orthogonal to the longitudinal axis ofthe pushrod 350). This in turn reduces the chance of undesirablysnagging and pulling the implant proximally when retracting the pushrod.

The practitioner follows release of the implant 10 with retraction ofthe pushrod 350 from the vein B and the remaining stages of the methodproceed as shown in FIGS. 23-24A. Features of the pushrod 350, includingthe flush proximal and distal ends 364, 366 on the opening 354, theelliptical profile of the opening 354, the deburred edges of the opening354, the removal of the implant retaining portion 362 when releasing theimplant 10, and the lower profile during pushrod removal, reduce thepossibility of snagging the implant 10 on the pushrod 350 as the pushrod350 is retracted from the vein B.

FIGS. 62-65 illustrate another embodiment of an introducer or pushrod370 for introducing an implant, such as implant 10 or implant 300, intoa hollow anatomic structure, and can be similar in structure, functionand method of use to the pushrod 150 of FIG. 11 or the pushrod 350 ofFIG. 58, except as further described herein. FIG. 62 is an enlargedsectional view of the proximal end of the pushrod 370. The pushrod 370terminates at a distal tip region 372, which includes a single opening374 that provides access to an internal lumen 376 that terminates at anopen distal end 378. A through-hole 380 is formed in the sidewall of thepushrod 370 adjacent to the open distal end 378. A wire 382 resideswithin the lumen 376 except for an implant retaining portion 384 locatedexternally of the lumen 376 adjacent the opening 374. The wire 382 exitsthe lumen 376 through the opening 374 and is captured by thethrough-hole 380 to form the implant retaining portion 384. The implantretaining portion 384 is formed closer to the distal end of the pushrod370 as compared with other embodiments of pushrods shown herein. Thispermits an implant to be held closer to the distal end of the pushrod370, as discussed in further detail below.

The distal end of the wire 382 is removably retained by the through-hole380 such that the wire 382 separates from the through-hole 380 uponapplication of a suitable proximal force to the wire 382. Continuationof the proximal force pulls the wire 382 through the opening such thatthe distal end of the wire 382 resides within the lumen 376 proximallyof the opening 374. The proximal force can be applied by, for example,the practitioner pulling on the wire 382, in which case, a proximal endof the wire 382 can project from the pushrod 370, such as through theproximal end of the pushrod 370 (not shown). The type and degree ofattachment between the wire 382 and the through-hole 380 can be selectedaccording to a desired proximal force required to effect separation ofthe wire 382 from the through-hole 380. As an example, the wire 382 canbe fit into to the through-hole 380 and retained by friction.Alternatively, the wire 382 can be attached to the through-hole 380 withan adhesive or by chemical joining processes, including various types ofwelding.

The opening 374 is made by forming a cut in the side wall of the pushrod370, and includes a distal end 386 and a proximal end 388. When viewedfrom the side, as shown in FIG. 62, the side profile of the opening 374gradually rises from the distal end 386 toward the proximal end 388 suchthat the proximal end 388 is nearly flush with the side wall of thepushrod 370, and the pushrod 370 has its full sidewall thickness at theproximal end 388 of the opening 374. When viewed from the top, as shownin FIG. 63, which does not show the wire 382 for clarity purposes, theopening 374 further has an elliptical profile at the proximal end 388.Furthermore, the edges of the opening 374 can be deburred duringmanufacture of the pushrod 370 so that they are relatively smooth, withno rough or sharp corners. These features of the opening 375—flushproximal end 388, elliptical profile, and deburred edges—reduce thepossibility of snagging an implant on the pushrod 370.

With reference to FIG. 64, which illustrates the distal end of thepushrod 370 and the implant 10 within the greater saphenous vein B, theimplant retaining portion 384 attaches the implant 10 to the pushrod 370for cooperative movement during advancement of the pushrod 370. In theillustrated embodiment, the implant 10 attaches to the implant retainingportion 384 at the distal end 16 of the body 12 at or near where thetether 14 connects to the body 12. In particular, the distal end 16 isheld between the implant retaining portion 384 of the wire 382 and theportion of the pushrod 370 defining the opening 374. In thisconfiguration, the tether 14 and about half of the length of the body 12are located on one side of the wire 382 and the other half of the lengthof the body 12 are located on the opposite side of the wire 382. Thebody 12 wraps around the wire 382 such that the free ends of the body 12are folded upon each other form the proximal end 18 of the body 12, asdescribed above. The implant retaining portion 384 forms a closed nooseor snare around the implant 10 that permits the implant 10 to beretained whether the pushrod 370 is pushed distally or pulledproximally, thereby providing the push-pull functionality discussedabove. The implant retaining portion 384 can further be configured tohold the implant 10 against the portion of the pushrod 370 adjacent theopening 374 tightly enough to prevent shifting of the implant 10. Theabove-described attachment of the implant 10 and the pushrod 370provides an exemplary manner of attachment; the implant 10 and thepushrod 370 can be joined in any suitable manner and are not limited tothat described above and shown in the figures.

The implant 10 attaches to the pushrod 370 closely to the distal end ofthe pushrod 370 due to the arrangement of the implant retaining portion384 and the through-hole 380. This reduces the “dead space” associatedwith the pushrod 370, which is any portion of a pushrod that extendsdistally beyond an implant attached to the pushrod. For the presentembodiment, the dead space can be approximately equivalent to thedistance between the open distal end 378 and the implant retainingportion 384. Reduction of dead space is advantageous because it allowsthe practitioner to place an implant very close to the sapheno-femoraljunction H without extending the pushrod 370 into the femoral vein G,which may carry a risk of abrading or puncturing the femoral vein G andinjuring the patient, or of generating thrombosis within the femoralvein.

One embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 370 is described below.While the pushrod 370 can be employed in conjunction with any suitableHAS, the methods are described with respect to the greater saphenousvein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood that the methodscan be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, for use in otherHASs. It will also be understood that while the pushrod 370 is describedfor use with the system 46, the methods can also be modified or adapted,as necessary, for use with embodiments of the system 46 other than theembodiment employed in the following description. Aspects of the methodof use of the pushrod 370 that overlap with the method of use of thepushrod 150, described above, will be briefly summarized, but will notbe described in detail. In the description of the method, the varioussteps are discussed in terms of being performed by the practitioner;however, it is understood that these steps may be performed by thepractitioner manually or through the operation of a motorized ornon-motorized drive system, etc.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 370, the variousstages of the method can proceed as depicted for implant 10 as shown inFIGS. 15-20. FIG. 64 illustrates the pushrod 370 and implant 10 in thegreater saphenous vein B after removal of the introducer sheath 20 fromthe vein B. The practitioner applies a proximal force to the wire 382,such as by pulling on the proximal end of the wire 382, therebydetaching the wire 382 from the through-hole 380. Continued applicationof the proximal force retracts the wire 382 through the opening 374 andreleases the implant 10 from between the wire 382 and the pushrod 370,as illustrated in FIG. 65. The wire 382 can be retracted any desireddistance corresponding to releasing the implant 10 from the pushrod 370.For example, the wire 382 need not be retracted past the proximal end388 of the opening 374 if pulling the wire 384 only partly back from thedistal end 386 of the opening 374 effects release of the implant 10.Retraction of the wire 382 removes the implant retaining portion 384from the implant 10 and gives the pushrod 370 a lower profile since thewire 382 is contained within the circumferential profile of the pushrod370. As discussed above with respect to the pushrods 350 and 150, awithdrawal profile is achieved with the pushrod 370 in which no portionof the pushrod protrudes radially beyond the outer circumference (orother outer perimeter) of the pushrod sidewall. This withdrawal profileadvantageously prevails along the working length of the pushrod. Thepractitioner follows release of the implant 10 with retraction of thepushrod 370 from the vein B and the remaining stages of the methodproceed as shown in FIGS. 23-24A. Features of the pushrod 370, includingthe flush proximal end 388 on the opening 374, the elliptical profile ofthe opening 374, the deburred edges of the opening 374, the removal ofthe implant retaining portion 384 when releasing the implant 10, and thelow withdrawal profile during pushrod removal, reduce the possibility ofsnagging the implant 10 on the pushrod 370 as the pushrod 370 isretracted from the vein B. Furthermore, the dead space associated withthe pushrod 370 is reduced by attaching the implant close to the distalend of the pushrod 370.

FIGS. 66-69 illustrate another embodiment of an introducer or pushrod390 for introducing an implant, such as implant 10 or implant 300, intoa hollow anatomic structure, and can be similar in structure, functionand method of use to the pushrods 150, 350, 370, except as furtherdescribed herein. FIG. 66 is an enlarged sectional view of the distalend of the pushrod 390. The pushrod 390 terminates at a distal tipregion 392, which includes a single sidewall opening 394. A wire 400resides within the lumen 396 and forms an implant retaining portion 402adjacent the opening 394. The wire 400 is relatively straight, withlittle or no curvature in the implant retaining portion 402 or otherportion of the wire 400. Employing the straight or only slightly curvedwire 400 can afford greater flexibility in selecting a material for thewire 400. For example, stainless steel is a suitable material for thewire 400, whereas it may not be suitable for embodiments of the pushrodhaving a relatively highly curved wire (e.g. forming a highly curvedimplant retaining portion) since a curved stainless steel wire mayplastically deform and may not straighten sufficiently to enable thewire to be retracted into the lumen 396 to release the implant.Stainless steel is also less expensive than other suitable wirematerials, such as Nitinol. However, Nitinol is superelastic, and issuitable for embodiments of the pushrod having a relatively highlycurved wire or retaining portion.

The opening 394 is made by forming a cut in the side wall of the pushrod390, and includes a distal end 404 and a proximal end 406. When viewedfrom the side, as shown in FIG. 66, the proximal end 406 of the opening394 is cut down deeper into the side wall of the pushrod 390 than thedistal end 404. The side profile of the opening 394 gradually slopes orrises from the proximal end 406 to the distal end 404 such that thedistal end 404 is flush or nearly flush with the side wall of thepushrod 390. In the depicted embodiment, the opening 394 has a curved orelliptical profile defined by the upper edge of the pushrod sidewall.Alternatively, the opening 394 can have a simpler “wedge” profiledefined by a straight (but angled with respect to the longitudinal axisof the pushrod 390) upper edge of the pushrod sidewall. Furthermore, theedges of the opening 394 can be deburred during manufacture of thepushrod 390 so that they are relatively smooth, with no rough or sharpcorners.

These features of the opening 394—flush distal end 404, sloping (e.g.,curved/elliptical or wedge) profile of the opening 394, and deburrededges—reduce the possibility of snagging an implant on the pushrod 390.The above-described profiles for the opening 394 provide a gentlysloping and gradual transition from the deep proximal portion of theopening 394 to the shallow or flush distal end of the opening. Thisreduces the tendency of the pushrod to snag the implant after the wire400 has been retracted to release the implant. As the pushrod iswithdrawn, the sloping sidewall edge adjacent the opening 394 (see,e.g., FIG. 69) gently urges the implant material to the side of thepushrod, allowing the pushrod to pass in the proximal direction withoutsnagging the implant material at the distal end of the opening 394 andinadvertently pulling the implant in the proximal direction.

With reference to FIG. 68, which illustrates the distal end of thepushrod 390 and the implant 10 within the greater saphenous vein B, theimplant retaining portion 402 attaches the implant 10 to the pushrod 390for cooperative movement during advancement of the pushrod 390. In theillustrated embodiment, the implant 10 attaches to or underlies theimplant retaining portion 402 at the distal end 16 of the body 12 at ornear where the tether 14 connects to the body 12. In particular, thedistal end 16 is held between the implant retaining portion 402 of thewire 400 and the portion of the pushrod 390 defining the opening 394. Inthis configuration, the tether 14 and about half of the length of thebody 12 are located on one side of the wire 400 and the other half ofthe length of the body 12 are located on the opposite side of the wire400. The body 12 wraps around the wire 400 such that the free ends ofthe body 12 are folded upon each other and form the proximal end 18 ofthe body 12, as described above. The implant retaining portion 402 formsa closed noose or snare around the implant 10 that permits the implant10 to be retained whether the pushrod 390 is pushed distally or pulledproximally. The implant retaining portion 402 can further be configuredto hold the implant 10 against the portion of the pushrod 390 adjacentthe opening 394 tightly enough to prevent shifting of the implant 10.The above-described attachment of the implant 10 and the pushrod 390provides an exemplary manner of attachment; the implant 10 and thepushrod 390 can be joined in any suitable manner and are not limited tothat described above and shown in the figures.

One embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 390 is described below.While the pushrod 390 can be employed in conjunction with any suitableHAS, the methods are described with respect to the greater saphenousvein B for illustrative purposes. It will be understood that the methodscan be modified or adapted as necessary, if necessary, for use in otherHASs. It will also be understood that while the pushrod 390 is describedfor use with the system 46, the methods can also be modified or adapted,as necessary, for use with embodiments of the system 46 other than theembodiment employed in the following description. Aspects of the methodof use of the pushrod 390 that overlap with the method of use of thepushrod 150, described above, will be briefly summarized, but will notbe described in detail. Generally, the method of use of the pushrod 390can be similar to the use of the pushrods 150, 350 or 370, except asfurther described herein. In the description of the method, the varioussteps are discussed in terms of being performed by the practitioner;however, it is understood that these steps may be performed by thepractitioner manually or through the operation of a motorized ornon-motorized drive system, etc.

In one embodiment of a method of use of the pushrod 390, the variousstages of the method proceed as depicted for implant 10 as shown inFIGS. 15-20. FIG. 68 illustrates the pushrod 390 and implant 10 in thegreater saphenous vein B after removal of the introducer sheath 20 fromthe vein B. The practitioner applies a proximal force to the wire 400,such as by pulling on the proximal end of the wire 400, thereby pullingthe distal portion of the wire 400 into the pushrod lumen 396 proximalof the opening 394. In this embodiment, since the wire 400 is keptrelatively straight and has little or no curvature at the implantretaining portion 402, a reduced proximal force can be applied to thewire 400 to pull it proximally along the lumen 396, since the force willbe more closely aligned with the axis of the wire 400 as compared withprevious pushrod embodiments having curved wires.

Continued application of the proximal force retracts the wire 400through the opening 394 and releases the implant 10 from between thewire 400 and the pushrod 390, as illustrated in FIG. 69. The wire 400can be retracted any desired distance corresponding to releasing theimplant 10 from the pushrod 390. For example, the wire 400 need not beretracted past the proximal end 406 of the opening 394 if pulling thewire 400 only partly back from the distal end 404 of the opening 394effects release of the implant 10. Retraction of the wire 400 removesthe implant retaining portion 402 from the implant 10 and gives thepushrod 390 a low profile since the wire 400 is contained within thecircumferential profile of the pushrod 390. The practitioner followsrelease of the implant 10 with retraction of the pushrod 390 from thevein B and the remaining stages of the method proceed as shown in FIGS.23-24A. Features of the pushrod 390, including the flush distal end 404of the opening 394, the sloping profile of the opening 394, the deburrededges of the opening 394, the removal of the implant retaining portion402 when releasing the implant 10, and the lower profile during pushrodremoval, reduce the possibility of snagging the implant 10 on thepushrod 390 as the pushrod 390 is retracted from the vein B.Furthermore, the pushrod 390 requires less force to operate by employinga relatively straight wire 400, and may cost less to manufacture sincethe wire 400 can be made from less expensive materials, such asstainless steel.

Despite the foregoing discussion of certain embodiments, only thefollowing claims, and such other claims as may be presented in thefuture based on the disclosure herein (and not the present DetailedDescription), are intended to define the invention(s) protected hereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for introducing an implant into ahollow anatomical structure, the apparatus comprising: a storage unitdefining an opening at a distal end and an aperture adjacent the distalend and proximal of the opening; an elongate vascular implant storedinside the storage unit and having a distal end; and a pushrod at leastpartially stored inside the storage unit and having a distal end coupledto the distal end of the implant; wherein the implant diverges fromadjacency with the pushrod as the implant extends away from the distalend of the pushrod, such that the pushrod extends through the apertureadjacent the distal end of the storage unit and forms a forceapplication region near the distal end of the pushrod, the forceapplication region being accessible for force application but separatedfrom the implant.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pushrod ispartially located exteriorly of the storage unit to expose a length ofthe pushrod, which forms the force application region, for gripping andpasses through the wall near a distal end of the storage unit.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage unit comprises an exitopening, and the implant diverges from adjacency with the pushrod in aproximal direction from the exit opening and converges with the pushrodproximally of the exit opening as the pushrod is advanced toward andthrough the exit opening.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein theimplant is drawn toward and through the exit opening by the pushrod asthe pushrod is so advanced.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein thestorage unit defines a storage axis, the pushrod and the implant have acommon travel direction through the exit opening, and the storage axisis offset relative to the common travel direction.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the storage axis is non-linear.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the aperture is aligned with an axis of the exitopening.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the storage unit isgenerally shaped like a ring.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theimplant comprises an occluding implant.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the implant comprises a bioresorbable implant.
 11. An apparatusfor introducing an implant into a hollow anatomical structure, theapparatus comprising: an introducer sheath having a proximal end, adistal end, and a lumen extending therethrough; a storage unitoperatively coupled to the proximal end of the introducer sheath, andcomprising a proximal end, a distal end, a sidewall defining an apertureadjacent the distal end of the storage unit and located between theproximal end and the distal end, an exit opening, an implant storageportion, and a pushrod storage portion spaced from the implant storageportion and converging with the implant storage portion at the exitopening; an elongate vascular implant stored inside the implant storageportion and having a distal end; and a pushrod at least partially storedinside the pushrod storage portion and having a distal end coupled tothe distal end of the implant wherein the pushrod extends through theaperture adjacent the distal end of the storage unit and forms a forceapplication region near the distal end of the pushrod; wherein theimplant and the pushrod continually converge proximally of the exitopening as the pushrod is advanced toward and through the exit opening.12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the implant is drawn toward andthrough the exit opening by the pushrod as the pushrod is so advanced.13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the implant storage portion andthe pushrod storage portion are physically separated from each other.14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the storage unit comprises acommon casing defining the implant storage portion and the pushrodstorage portion.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the commoncasing is generally shaped like a ring.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the pushrod is partially located exteriorly of the pushrodstorage portion to expose a length of the pushrod for gripping andenters the storage unit near a distal end of the storage unit.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the implant comprises an occludingimplant.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the implant comprises abioresorbable implant.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theaperture is aligned with an axis of the exit opening.